A Tribute To Our Military



This week, my wife Angie and I witnessed another milestone in our family's life. Grant, our high school son, graduated from the Army's National Guard Basic Training School @ Fort Jackson South Carolina (left).

The last ten weeks have been very difficult on our family with him gone. I began to think of all of you that have family members and loved ones serving in other states, in other regions of the world and am reminded of the sacrifice made to keep our great country free. I want to encourage everyone to pray daily for our military and especially their families and they serve and protect our freedom.

Support and Resources for Parents Dealing with Teen Drug Abuse


Has your family been affected by prescription and over-the-counter medicine abuse? Has your teenager or another relative struggled with the misuse or abuse of medication? I think it's safe to say that anyone reading this article has been affected somehow, someway, with this topic. My hope is that this website will be a great resource for help, even if it's just one family, one teen...

http://www.drugfree.org/

I want to share the 2011 Annual Report for Teen Drug Use Trends. Click Here. (Be patient, it does a few seconds to load. (.pdf))

Safety Tips for Back to School


“Parents can teach their children the following safety tips which will inform the youngsters of the danger signs to watch for and avoid when walking between school and home or while waiting for the bus,” Sheriff Carter said.

· While walking, remember to always travel with a friend. Two heads are better than one, especially if there’s an emergency.

· A stranger is anyone you or your parents don’t know well.

· You or your friend must never take candy, money, medicine or anything else from a stranger.

· If a stranger in a car asks you questions, don’t get close to the car (you could get pulled in) – and never get in the car.

· Strangers can be very tricky – they can ask you to walk with them to “show” them something; they can offer to pay for your video game, or ask you to help them find a lost dog or cat. Don’t be fooled!

· Don’t tell anyone your name or address when you’re walking and don’t think that because someone knows your name that they know you – they may just be looking at your name printed on your lunch box, school bag or T-shirt.

· If you think you’re in any danger, yell, and run to the nearest store or “safe house” or back to school.

· Always tell your parents or teacher if a stranger has approached you.

By taking the time to carefully prepare your child on how to handle these situations, you can insure your child’s safety whether they are on their way to school or home, playing on a playground or riding their bikes.

Sheriff Carter: Campus Safety


This fall thousands of students will leave their families and friends to attend college. For many, it will be their first time away from home and also their first experience with total independence. It’s an exciting time and a dangerous one. Concerned with this safety issue, Sheriff Carter urges college students to exercise caution when living on campus.

Across the United States, college campuses are increasing security measures by installing emergency call box systems designed to immediately contact a 911 operator. They are usually located in frequently traveled areas such as parking lots and main routes used to and from class. Another popular security measure involves campus escorts. This program recruits qualified volunteers to walk students to and from class after dark. Security cameras and bright lighting are also being used to heighten campus safety.

“College campuses are extremely vulnerable to crime because of their openness,” said Sheriff Carter. “It’s difficult to keep buildings and dorm rooms locked because people are constantly coming and going. Another contributing factor is that students tend to develop a false sense of security because of the seemingly peaceful surroundings.”

Campus crimes can take many forms – theft, date rape, and drugs to name just a few. It’s impossible to avoid all dangers. However, Sheriff Carter has some suggestions on how college students can better protect and educate themselves through campus safety education.

  • Never post information as to your whereabouts on your dorm room door. If an intruder knows that you are away – it’s an open invitation for them to break in.

  • Even if leaving your room for only a few minutes – lock your door.

  • When studying in out-of-the way places, inform campus security as to your whereabouts.

  • When meeting a study partner for the first time, make arrangements to meet in a public place.

  • Encourage campus security to establish a photo identification program to deter outsiders from entering school buildings.

  • Work with your local law enforcement to organize a safety education program to teach incoming students the do’s and don’ts of campus safety.

  • Familiarize yourself with emergency call box locations.

  • Learn to trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, get out of it. Don’t allow anyone to violate your comfort zone.




Nicholson Road Resident Arrested for Drugs

Erica Anna Byrne, 28, of 2861 Nicholson Road, Sanford, was arrested on 8-15-2012 for possession with intent to sell Cocaine, Possession with intent to sell a schedule II controlled substance (Percocet), and maintaining a dwelling to store drugs. Byrne was arrested on a warrant and was wanted as part of Operation Summer Heat. Byrne was placed in the Lee County Jail under a secured bond. As of this arrest, 35 of the 37 persons wanted in Operation Summer Heat have been arrested.