"Currently, the Drug Coalition has 60 members, representing 40 organizations, who meet monthly to move drug prevention agendas forward," McElligott said.

"The organization has established a preliminary drug court, provided awareness training for the Dardanelle and Danville teaching staff, and provided training for the Department of Children and Family Services area office for people who handle children exposed to meth, both use and production," McElligott said.

Also, a website has been established to provide updates about the coalition's efforts and information about meth and its issues and to also allow persons to provide information to law enforcement officials anonynomously. Itıs working because we have received mutiple leads for various agencies," said McElligott.

"The coalition started in March, 2006, with a needs assessment meeting with key personnel in Yell County," McElligott said. "The conclusion was that there was a problem with drug abuse and increased efforts were needed."

The next month, it was decided that an organization encompassing all 15th District counties would be most beneficial. The 15th Judicial District includes Scott, Logan, Conway and Yell counties. After a steering committee was formed in May, the first general meeting was held in June, 2006.

Steering committee members are Yell Co. Sheriff Bill Gilkey; 15th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Thomas Tatum II; Jean Furr, a counselor with the Dardanelle School District; and Gary McElligot, operations manager of Code Camey and Associates, Inc.

The Drug Coalition's substance abuse campaign involving schools, churches and the public invites sponsors to assist in funding, donating prizes and sponsoring pubicity costs for the current campaign. Another way to become involved is to attend monthly meetings at Dardanelle or Danville. Call McElligott for details at 229-1302 or 886-1590 or see http://www.stopmethnow.com for upcoming meeting locations and news about the organization.