Volume 120 Issue 16 Friday, January 29, 2016
OrbitMediaOnline.com
Drug use on the rise in New Concord, Muskingum University Christine Holmes Assignment Editor & Martin Kurtz Orbit Media Reporter
The Village of New Concord has seen an increase in drug use over the past year. According to New Concord Police Chief, Trevor Hayes, Muskingum University has also seen an increase. Within the village, there have been more arrests and citations, involving a range of ages, related to drugs including marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. Hayes said one reason for such an increase may have to do with better awareness within the New Concord Police Department. “A lot of it’s due to our officers being more alert to those types of situations and watching for it and actually being more proactive,” said Hayes.
He believes there has also been a significant increase in use. During a traffic stop in December 2015, New Concord Police Officers found products used to produce methamphetamine. According to Hayes, individuals involved were traveling through New Concord, which he said is common due to New Concord’s location between State Route 40 and Interstate 70. “We get a lot of passing through type [of] activities that we encounter,” said Hayes. “Hopefully it stays that way. We don’t want drugs like that here. We’re going to try our best to keep it out of here [New Concord].” Hayes said his officers are being trained to combat the drugs. “It seems like marijuana is so common anymore that we’re seeing [it] a lot,” said Hayes. “We’re trying to crack down on that.”
Muskingum University Police has also seen an increase in marijuana use. Chief of University Police Daniel Vincent believes it is due to the possibility of legalization that has been looming since the last election. Even though marijuana was not legalized during the 2015 election, Hayes said his department is prepared for what they will do for if does pass in the future. “We’ll have to do what we can until they legalize it,” said Hayes. “I think that’s a lot of people’s mentality,” said Vincent. “That they aren’t going to worry about it because it’s going to be legal soon. Maybe it will, but it’s not right now and I’m not going to allow someone to get away with illegal activities on campus that could create a larger problem for us [right now].” If a student is found with drugs,
an arrest will be made. Vincent um University is in correlation said the Drug Policy at Musking- with the Ohio state laws.
Christine Holmes/ Black & Magenta Drug related incidents are on the rise in the Village of New Concord, along with marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin.
Spring recrutiment reaches independent Muskies Katie Meddings Orbit Media Reporter
Katie Meddings/ Black & Magenta Greek organizations came to recruit new members on Wednesday, Jan. 20 in the bottom of the Walter K. Chess Center.
Muskingum University students had the opportunity to “Go Greek” during the spring semester the week of Jan. 25. Students were able to visit with and discover the different sororities and fraternities during a Greek Open House on Wednesday, Jan. 20 in the Walter K. Chess Center. Independent students talked with members of fraternities and sororities, giving them an idea of what Greek Life entails. “[Greek Life] provides [students] with a smaller community within our community, so a more intimate community experience,” said Stacey Allan, Director of Greek Affairs.
Students were able to learn about some of the benefits including community service, campus events, and high academic standards, according to Allan. “It gets them more involved, whether that’s homecoming or other student organizations… one of the hugest benefits is networking, [and] leadership development, “ said Allan. “ I’d say for about 95 percent of them, their grades go up.” From Jan. 25-29 students were offered “Open Bids” for the spring semester. Those who accept their bids do not have to go through a rush week to get into an organization. Throughout the five day period students were able to accept or decline the bids that they were offered by the Greek organizations.