Oct. 8, 2008 — Editor

I am still amazed as I look at the photographs of a community that came together to declare that we love each other. That’s what the ENOUGH rally did for me. It was saying we don’t want anyone else to die of drug overdoses. WE heard over and over about someone that did too much and overdosed, or was in a wreck and the story was the same, someone had been driving high. Well, I know things haven’t stopped completely, but at least I’m not hearing of them as often. I don’t give ENOUGH or any one-group praise, but I give God praise.

By the community coming together it sent a message that we want the drug users to stop. I heard an attorney tell a boy one day that if it hadn’t been for that ENOUGH group marching through town you’d have gotten a slap on the hand, I don’t know if that is true or not, but what I do know is that families don’t have to hold their head down in shame because they have a child using drugs, because the truth is there isn’t a family that isn’t touched in some way by this problem, and it doesn’t matter if your rich, poor, Christian, or not - the truth is - our children are using drugs.

I began speaking out because I knew that if I didn’t at least open my mouth and start yelling, ENOUGH I can’t take this anymore, and my child died then I’d have no one to blame but me. I had been drained financially, emotionally, and physically as I took care of grandchildren that I shouldn’t be raising, and paying other peoples’ bills that should have been working and paying their own. Yes, I love my grandchildren and would give my life for them, but they are supposed to be at home with their mom and dad. It’s sad when a family is torn apart and ends up in divorce, but even sadder when it’s because of drugs ruining the parents lives.

It wasn’t until I began talking about the problem that I found out that Carter County has a Drug Task Force, and as I began to get involved I found out that they are people just like me, and they are there because they want a community where we can once again leave our doors unlocked because we feel safe. I was brought up in a home that never locked a door because everyone knew that it was a family that cared about their neighbors and everyone was welcome. But now, we have to lock our doors because of drugs, and even that doesn’t stop it, because lots of times its our own family members stealing from us. Grandparents are having a hard time saving for their later years because of children and grandchildren draining them in one way or another because kids aren’t doing what they should – work and make their own living. We must continue fighting this cause in every way possible.

I bring this up because if you aren’t involved then come out and get involved. The Drug Task Force is looking for ways of having community service for those in trouble, the Drug Court team are looking for those to help them with different projects, Drug Court needs businesses that are willing to let people in their program work (with Drug Court monitoring their job performance). Here at the ENOUGH office we would love to help train churches to set up support groups for those in their churches (concerned persons who have loved ones with problems and they need someone to talk too). Also, any outreach a church does that gets kids off the street is greatly needed. We continue to get calls from 80-year-old grannies that are being taken advantage of by people who are suppose to be helping them out. Parents call seeking hope in finding help for their loved ones. People in jail call looking for a way out. The truth is if you’re in jail you must go before an Honorable Judge and pay for the crime you have done. Yes, we want to help, and we will as we can. Rehabs are not the answer to all our problems – God is. But rehabs may help in pointing you in the right direction. And for most, rehab isn’t what you need; it’s just that you need to start making right choices in your life – the old saying “JUST SAY NO”, is still true today.

So in the last year I have been proud to live in Carter County KY because I have witnessed a community that wants to stand up for what is right. NO, not everyone is doing right, but all it takes is one person to show others that you can make a difference in your community. Let’s keep working, KEEP PRAYING, and put your hand to whatever you can to help out. This has been a good year and I pray the next will be even better, so keep PRAYING CHURCH.

Brenda Hammons

ENOUGH - Carter County



Editor,

A heart-felt thank you to Connie, Dewey and Adam Harris for organizing and implementing the 2008 Second Annual Tractor Drive held Saturday, September 20th. The event was a HUGE success with over 60 tractors and well over 100 participants. Participants came from as far away as Versailles, KY. The weather was simply perfect, as was the wonderful meal so graciously prepared and provided by the Iron Hill Church of Christ Ladies Circle. Connie eve made sure we were entertained during lunch at the Carter Caves Pool Shelter. Bill Robinson and his talented group, the Wizards of Dance, clogged to several country songs. Wendell Logan and others with the group Soldiers for Christ performed numerous gospel songs for us.

Below is a list of others that contributed in their own special way to the event:

• Carter County Farm Bureau

• Kee’s Farm Service

• Farmers True Value Hardware

• Kitchen’s Towing

• Redneck Repair

• Farmers Machinery

• Charmical Equipment

• Diamond Gate

• J.F. Lewis & Co. Furniture

• Grayson Tire

• Davis & Davis Bulk Plant

• Kiser’s Tax Service

• Cabin Creek RV Park (John & Lanett Justice)

• Chicken Coop Art & Craft Mall

• Garden Gate Greenhouse & Giftshop

A very special thank you to Connie Harris, who spent an enormous amount of time ensuring that the event was well coordinated, fun for the entire family and that it was executed flawlessly. Connie, we applaud you and your efforts. Your efforts do not go unnoticed. A big heart-felt thank you goes out to you and your family for providing us with such an enjoyable, family-oriented fun event for everyone. We appreciate you and your enormous sacrifice of time and effort required to coordinate and conduct this wonderful day of family fun for the whole community and surrounding areas. It was perfect. We are already anticipating the 2009 Third Annual Tractor Drive!

Sincerely,

Julie Bush

Co-Owner - Garden Gate Greenhouse & Giftshop



Editor,

I am looking for the descendents of Amos and Elizabeth (Binion) Middleton. What I’m looking for is dates, records, stories, and pictures. I am their great-great-grandson. I would be more than willing to mail anyone a copy of what I have put together when I am finished. You can reach me by the following two ways: email: ohiomiddle86@yahoo.com or address: Timothy W. Middleton, 513 Waugh Street, Alliance, Ohio 44601.

Thank you,

Timothy W. Middleton