Drug courts need to be expanded

I read with interest The Independent’s April 8 editorial about the prescription drug abuse problem in northeastern Kentucky.

The editorial came to the conclusion that it is the primary cause of child abuse and neglect. As a former district and circuit judge in Greenup and Lewis counties for almost 23 years, I can assure you that prescription drug addiction also accounts for almost 80 percent of the crime in Kentucky,

The Kentucky Department of Corrections reveals that 92.9 percent of offenders currently in prison are non-violent. Approximately 80 percent of non-violent criminals are drug addicted or dependent, yet the number of criminals in drug court represents less than 10 percent of people in the criminal justice system. The drug court model is vastly superior to reduce recidivism compared to incarceration alone. In Kentucky the recidivism rate is 67 percent for a non-violent drug addicted criminal not in drug court who is placed on probation, parole or serves out his or her sentence. On the other hand, the recidivism rate for a Kentucky drug court graduate is 20 percent. It costs $51 per day to keep an addicted criminal in prison, yet only $11.31 per day to keep a criminal in drug court. The drug court model calls for the incarceration of violent criminals and a combination of treatment and responsible conduct for non-violent addicted criminals. We need to adopt the drug court model on a grand scale significantly reducing our prison population and returning non-violent reformed criminals back into society by applying the overwhelming scientific evidence that now exists. As Thomas Edison once said, “Insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result.”

I urge you to let our elected leaders know that we want a smarter approach to criminal justice.

Lewis D. Nicholls, Senior judge, Greenup



Baseball salaries are way too high

I like to watch a good baseball game as well as the next person, but I think it’s going a little too far to pay the players as much as they do.

The New York Yankees paid $423.5 million for three players. I think they should be ashamed. This comes at a time when many are out of work and can’t take care of their families. I love baseball, but there is no player worth that much money. It’s no wonder there are so many bank robberies and other crimes going on.

There are some people in the United States and overseas who are starving. They could use that money to live on.

The Atlanta Braves are my favorite, but I would guess they paid a big price for Derek Lowe. That’s not right. Think of all those who are out of work and wondering where their house payment or the kids’ clothes and food are going to come from. I’m praying for those families. God knows they need it.

We have a lot of great baseball players. We have a great pitcher, Brandon Webb, from here in Ashland. I love to watch him pitch, but I still say no player is worth so much money. All sports is anymore is money.

Iris Cordle, Ashland



April is organ donor month

Who would have thought that when the year 2003 came around that we would hear the words “liver transplant”?

That’s exactly what happened. In May of 2006, Lonnie received a liver transplant. It was made possible because a loving, caring and thoughtful family selflessly donated their child’s organs.

If that family had not done this life-giving act, Lonnie would not be here today. It has been almost three years since the transplant, and Lonnie is doing well.

People need to think about all the people on waiting lists to receive an organ. It only takes a few minutes to become an organ donor, but it means an extended life to the family receiving it. April is Organ Donor Month.

Carol Barber, Westwood



Obama is wrong in Islam comment

Now that President Obama has been given his space to make his comment, I trust I will be allowed to comment.

President Obama said, “We are not at war with Islam.”

If we are not at war with Islam, who is killing our troops in Afghanistan? Is it the local Girl Scouts who are planting their chocolate chip cookie roadside bombs?

Speaking of Islam, President Obama may have changed his shoes, but he still is wearing the same socks. The tree never falls far from the tree.

Earl H. Stewart, Grayson



Cemetery needs help with mowing

With the mowing season upon us, we remind anyone with family or friends buried in the old Siloam Cemetery and the Hardin Addition to the old cemetery that a donation in your loved ones honor would be greatly appreciated.

The perpetual care volunteers hope to continue the upkeep of your loved ones final resting place, but it is up to families to help to continue to keep up with the mowing fees.

Please send all donations to trustees Judy Maynard, 2290 Ohio River Road, Greenup, Ky. 41144, or Glenna Bower, 87 Carls Lane, South Shore, Ky. 41175.

Judy Maynard, Glenna Bower, Emma Ruth Floyd, Kim Hardin-Bonzo, Trustees, Siloam Cemetery



Drug Court plans picnic May 1

The Greenup County Drug Court will be having its annual picnic at 4 p.m. on May 1 at Glockner Dam in Greenup County. We extend an invitation to all former and current participants. If you would like more information please contact the Greenup County Drug Court Office at (606) 473-0769.

We would like to see graduates of the program. They can be a great example to the current participants.

Chet Roberts, Greenup