The Magnolia PRIDE Team has regrouped for another year of making a difference. As evidenced by this photo, the team is many members to spread their vision of fostering a world where safe, drug free youth are equipped to lead healthy, productive lives. The group’s mission is to educate, promote, and support drug-free youth who care for the safety and health of self, peers, family, and community. The PRIDE Team reaches out to their peers and the community with an effective and strong drug-free message. Through song, dance, speech, and other creative outlets, PRIDE teams around the world spread the message that drug-free is the way to be.

The fight against illegal drug use and activity in New Martinsville has just gotten a boost as the police committee of the New Martinsville City Council has approved the dedication of a minimum of $5,000 to the fight.

This money will come from the regular police budget through a change in allocation thanks to some grant funding in other areas.

Councilman Steve Pallisco, who chairs the committee, said it was a necessary step as the fight against drug activity takes having officers dedicated to the cause who will need to use overtime for that reason.

“It’s a very serious problem,” said Mayor Lucille Blum at Monday’s regular council meeting. “It’s important because everyone in the community needs to know about the depth of the problem.”

She is hoping more residents will attend meetings of the Citizens Against Prescription Drug Abuse group. Their next meeting will be Nov. 16, 6 p.m., in the large conference room in the New Martinsville City Building.

Trying to fight the battle on every front, several ministers in the community have been tapped to help the cause. They are expected to be in attendance at the Nov. 16 meeting to offer suggestions and support.

Also, Pallisco mentioned the PRIDE group at Magnolia High School. They are a group of students who try to positively influence their peers to stay away from drugs. “We’re hoping kids will listen to kids,” he said.

For further information on the Citizens Against Prescription Drug Abuse group contact Lucille Blum at 304-455-9120.