Sgt. Liebe to speak on meth lab awareness

[JAN. 12, 2006]  The Logan County Soil and Water Conservation District has scheduled its annual dinner meeting for Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. The smorgasbord at the American Legion Home, 1740 Fifth St., will be preceded by a social time from 5:30 to 6.

The speaker for the evening will be Master Sgt. Bruce Liebe of the Illinois State Police. Liebe serves as coordinator of the Clandestine Laboratory Program and is responsible for both operational and training issues. Clandestine laboratories are illegal operations consisting of chemicals and equipment necessary to manufacture controlled substances. These laboratories have been found in abandoned and rural farms and are a threat to the health and safety of local residents. Meth labs, meth chemical dumps and anhydrous thefts have been increasing in Illinois, and this is one of the most serious and dangerous of current drug issues facing law enforcement and the public. Liebe will discuss environmental effects, on-scene safety and cleanup, laws and ordinances. He hopes to make the group aware of the need for communities to work together to create a strong local response to this problem.

There will be a short business meeting for election of directors. Terms of three directors are expiring: Doug Martin, Mount Pulaski; Doug Thompson, Atlanta; and Mike Boyer, Middletown.

Cost of tickets for the evening is $9 per person. Stop by the district office, 1650 Fifth St., to purchase tickets or call 732-2010, ext. 3, for more information. District directors also have tickets. Reservations are needed by Jan. 19.

[Logan County Soil and Water Conservation District news release]