April 27, 2018
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Distributed Free Each Friday Since 2009 April 27, 2018 www.pcpatriot.com Locally Owned And Operated OPIOIDS Supervisors offered representation in coming litigation over pain killers By MIKE WILLIAMS The Patriot Counties across America are signing up for the upcoming legal war against opioid addiction. Monday night, attorneys from law firms in Southwest Virginia, Alabama and Kansas City began courting the Board of Supervisors - seeking to be hired as Pulaski County's soldiers in that war. The opioid crisis in the U.S. has become a serious public health crisis. Drug overdose is the leading cause of death among Americans under 50, exceed- ing deaths from car accidents. According to the information presented to the supervisors Monday night, the country has "become awash in opioids." In 2015, enough opioids were prescribed in the U.S. for every American to be medicated around the block for three weeks. Sine 1999, opioid over- doses have quadrupled in the U.S. The attorneys charge that manufacturers have spent vast sums of money to fuel the epidemic. They add that there are no studies that justify use WEEKEND WEATHER of opioids for long-term chronic pain, yet opioids - thanks to a steady campaign of deceptive, "off- SATURDAY SUNDAY label-marketing" by drug companies and distribu- Mostly sunny, with a high near Sunny, with a high near 59. tors - have become routinely prescribed on a long- 65. West wind 7 to 14 mph, term basis for management of chronic pain, despite with gusts as high as 26 mph. Sunday Night - Clear, with a their extremely addictive properties. Mike Williams photo Chance of precipitation is 20%. low around 37. Sixty percent of drug overdose deaths come from Attorneys Ben Chaffin (right) and Jeff opioid pain medicines, including hydrocodone Campbell address the Pulaski County Board of Saturday Night - Partly (Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab), oxycodone (Oxycontin, Supervisors on the opioid crisis. cloudy, with a low around 40. Percodan, Roxicet), methadone, fentanyl and mor- phine, as well as the street-drug, heroin, which is on statutory and common law duties. the rise as the drug of choice for addicts making the Manufacturers and distributors, the attorneys say, transition from pain medications. have legal duties under Federal law to maintain The attorneys blame the epidemic - in part - on controls against diversion of controlled substances the actions and deliberate inactions by the manu- into other than legitimate use. They also must dis- facturers and distributors of these opioid pain med- ications, which they say are in direct violation of See OPIOIDS, page A8 Voters in towns of Pulaski, Dublin head to polls Tuesday Staff Report cilmembers - Lane Penn and H.M. Kidd. Also seeking election to council are Brooks Municipal elections will be held Tuesday in Dawson, G. Tyler Clontz and Joel B. Burchett Jr. Pulaski and Dublin. In Dublin, three incumbents are seeking re- In Pulaski, Councilman David Clark is the only election - Peggy Hemmings, Dallas Cox and candidate on the ballot running for mayor. Stephen Crigger. Clark will replace Nick Glenn, who chose not Also running for council in Dublin are Debbie to seek re-election as mayor. Clark's two-year M. Lyons, Jared Smith and Debbie Hager. term begins July 1. Polls open Tuesday at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Voters in Pulaski will cast their ballots at the Five candidates have stepped forward to run for three council seats. Two are incumbent coun- See ELECTIONS, page A2 Page A2 - The Patriot - Friday, April 27, 2018 Elections Continued from page A1 Central Gym behind the County Administration Building, while Dublin voters go to the polls at the Dublin Lions Club building. Voters are reminded to bring a photo ID to their polling place. The Patriot will have com- plete results in both town elec- tions Tuesday night on our website (www.pcpatriot.com), Facebook page and Twitter feed. Polls Open Tuesday Sample Ballots for Tuesday’s elections. 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Town of Dublin (above) Bring A Town of Pulaski (at right) Photo ID First UMC in Pulaski observes 20th Missions Month By MIKE WILLIAMS activities the church's congrega- missions for many years," said 24:13-32. on the Pulaski Free Clinic. The Patriot tion is involved in through May Clark. During that Sunday's worship Last weekend, Harry Howe 6, during this the church's 20th Smith added that First United service, Eric Bucey of Beans and preached morning worship, and The congregation of First observance of Missions Month. Methodist has always been a Rice in Pulaski spoke to the con- lead a discussion on poverty dur- United Methodist Church is The activities include special "huge missions church." As a gregation about the many works ing Sunday School. The mission observing Missions Month - an speakers and messages during recent example, she pointed to a of Beans and Rice in Pulaski focus included a presentation on annual celebration in which each Sunday morning service special financial offering by the County. Project Crossroads in Marion. members and attendees put a during April. Each service also church to support nearly 30 mis- A week later, Sebastian Ruiz According to its website, Project special emphasis on being includes a "mission focus" pres- sion agencies every year. spoke on "Generosity - More Crossroads is a mission of The "God's hands and feet." entation on special people serv- Smith's sermon on April 8 to than about ourselves," based on United Methodist Church which Pastor Melissa Smith and ing programs. kick off Missions Month was Matthew 13:44. The mission church member David Clark "This church has supported entitled "Redefining focus presentation that week was See MISSIONS, page A3 recently discussed a variety of local, global, state and national Generosity," taken from Luke Re-Elect H.M. Kidd Pulaski Town Council Hello. My name is H.M. Kidd. I have served the people and the Town of Pulaski for 10 years on council. I have been through economic downturns and we as council pulled through. Over the past few years there has been some great changes and developments within the town and I would like the opportunity to continue this journey. I feel I have represented the citizens of the town and strive to always listen and voice my opinion and stand behind our staff. Being on council has been different in a way that is hard to describe, and believe me sometimes it has sure been a challenge. I have learned that you can’t make every- one happy and that goes for not just the citizens, but for those that sit on council also. It has sure been a learning experience. So I’m asking for your support to allow me to continue my journey on council so come out on May 1st and cast your vote. I thank you all for the support that you have given me and for allowing me to serve on council and the citizens of the Town of Pulaski. Thank you so much!! H.M. Kidd Paid For And Authorized By H.M. Kidd The Patriot - Friday, April 27, 2018 - Page A3 Music & Merchants Festival set for May 19 in Pulaski Submitted by the Pulaski County United Way Work is rolling along for the Music and Merchants Festival, scheduled for May 19 from 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. in downtown Pulaski. The festival is being organized under the leadership of Chris Conner, owner of Velociti Audio in Pulaski. The festival promises to be a new and unique event for Pulaski County. Conner has spent countless hours planning the Music and Merchants Festival. His desire is to showcase the revitalization efforts underway in downtown Pulaski, promote local business- es and talent, and provide a fam- ily friendly, free event that everyone can enjoy. Additionally, Conner has found Morris Finishing Recognized By Expo a way to help those in need through the festival. Proceeds Morris Finishing Company, LLC was recognized by the New River Valley Home Builders Association at its recent Spring Expo. Morris will support Pulaski County Finishing won the Expo’s Most Impactful Booth Award. Presenting the award to Chuck Morris is Justin Boyle, chairman of the 2018 Home United Way, a local organization Expo. Pictured are (from left) Susan Morris, Chuck Morris, Jordan Morris, Justin Boyle and Randall Morris. Morris Finishing, located in dedicated to providing health, Dublin, has slowly - and successfully - been changing its business over to kitchen cabinet refinishing and interior painting. education, financial stabilization and basic/emergency needs and raised in Pulaski County. and The Antecedents. Admission Level - Blue Ridge Fudge Lady; resources to Pulaski County res- They are now raising their to the KidZone and concerts is Silver Level - MasTec Utility idents through its partner agen- daughter here. The Music and free! Services, Atmos Energy, Medi cies. Merchants Festival combines Home Health and Hospice; Through Velociti Audio, Conner's love of music and his In addition to experiencing Bronze Level - Webb Donald Conner provides sound and dedication to the place he calls downtown Pulaski and seeing the State Farm and Appalachian lighting for concerts, theatre, home. progress made through revital- Power; and Small Business Level and ballet productions. Velociti The festival will include activ- ization efforts, craft vendors and - Nichole Hair, Kayla Crowder, Audio is Conner's second job. In ities for all ages. Children will artisans will provide unique Pulaski on Main and Dalton his day job, Conner is enjoy the KidZone, complete shopping opportunities. Dining Media. Operations Manager for Utility with games and activities, a options will be available from Sponsorships are still avail- Services Mid Atlantic Region. bounce house and Velcro wall.