A policy governing the sheriff’s office’s use of naloxone was approved by the Highland County Board of Commissioners at Wednesday’s meeting.
The policy for the sheriff’s office has been reviewed by the Highland County Prosecutor’s Office and on Wednesday was approved by motion by commissioners Shane Wilkin and Jeff Duncan. Commissioner Tom Horst was absent from the meeting.
As previously reported, the county health department has received a grant for $1,800, which will purchase between 18 and 20 naloxone kits, each containing two doses of the opiate antidote drug. The kits will be available to any interested law enforcement agency in Highland County, health department director Jared Warner said.
Highland County Sherriff Donnie Barrera said Wednesday that once training with personnel on using the naloxone is complete, he plans to have kits in cruisers and at the jail.
In other business, students with the Hillsboro FFA gave a presentation Wednesday in preparation for the students presenting at the state convention on May 5. The agriculture issue they presented was about food waste and how so much is lost between production and the consumer.
They said that organic waste was the second largest component in landfills — an amount that equates to about 20 pounds of food per person per month, and an amount that would satisfy the hunger of the one billion suffering from malnutrition across the globe.
Their solution to the worldwide issue was for everyone to be mindful about food portions and food storage, to donate to food pantries, and to “Think. Eat. Save.”
FFA students Lana Grover, Mikala Waller, Kaleb Harp, Breanne Fender, Samantha Fender, and Bryanna Buerkle gave the presentation. They were accompanied by adviser Elizabeth McNeal.
Members of the nonprofit group Today’s Help, Tomorrow’s Future (THTF) updated commissioners on the group’s progress at the Highland County Homeless Shelter.
Since the group first spoke to commissioners in March, it has been able to facilitate the donation of a push mower to the facility and has seen all of the materials donated for the building of a playhouse for children residing at the shelter.
According to member Liticia Walker, Greenfield industrial art students will begin putting the structure together soon.
Walker said the group is still planning to build a fence and garden area at the shelter and is looking for businesses wishing to donate benches, she said. Volunteers are also needed.
THTF members also invited commissioners to attend a Derby Days gala fundraiser set for June 4 at Alley 21. The event will include a pre-dinner comedy act, appetizers and beverages, dinner, a dessert buffet, a silent auction, and more with all proceeds going toward providing for local charities. Tickets are $50 and attendees should dress in their “derby best.” Seating is limited to 100 people. The event will be held in the Bicentennial Room at Alley 21 beginning at 7 p.m.
THTF member Steven Williams said the group’s goal is to identify a local organization each year that THTF’s efforts can benefit, and funding is needed to continue to meet needs throughout the community.
For tickets, to donate, or to volunteer your time contact Walker at 740-542-0902 or Williams at 937-728-6612.
The Highland County Board of Commissioners meets each Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. on the second floor of the County Administration Building at 119 Gov. Foraker Place in Hillsboro. The meetings are open to the public.
Reach Angela Shepherd at 937-393-3456, ext. 1681, or on Twitter @wordyshepherd.
