GAZETTE THE CENTRE COUNTY
www.CentreCountyGazette.com
FOCUSING ON REHABILITATION
‘SOMETHING BIGGER’
Penn State wrestling coach Cael Sanderson says winning another national championship was “nice, but there’s something bigger, I think.” The national coach of the year explains in an in-depth interview that touches on the future of the program, and on his contract talks./Page 27
April 6-12, 2017
Volume 9, Issue 14
FREE COPY
Epidemic strains justice system
County drug problem ‘came fast, grew quickly’ Editor’s note: This is part 2 of an in-depth look at the county’s opioid epidemic, what is being done to address it, and resources available to those impacted by it. This community health crisis will remain a focus of ongoing coverage.
By G. KERRY WEBSTER kerry.ccgazette@gmail.com
DARREN ANDREW WEIMERT/Town & Gown
CENTRE COUNTY Common Pleas Judge Pamela Ruest will oversee the county’s drug court, set to launch in October.
Drug court aims to help ‘high-risk users’ By G. KERRY WEBSTER kerry.ccgazette@gmail.com
BELLEFONTE — “When dealing with the heroin and opioid crisis here in Centre County, we have to be proactive, not reactive.” Those are the words of Centre County Common Pleas Judge Pamela Ruest while talking about the measures Centre County is taking to combat a problem that killed nearly two dozen county residents last year, a number that is on pace to rise.
“We have some pretty good ideas and measures in place, but we’re not going to be satisfied until we get control on this poison that’s in our communities,” said Ruest. “We need to make every available tool available to us, and if we do that, we can make a big dent in the problem that’s growing here. We may not be able to hold it off altogether, but there are measures we can take to curb some of this illegal drug activity.” Drug court, Page 8
In just a few years, the opioid and heroin epidemic has reached morbid levels, as more and more Centre County residents are dying each month because of the use of illegal substances. In addition to the cost in human lives, the abuse of illicit drugs, such as heroin and controlled substances, is also jamming up Centre County’s criminal justice system. From arrest to probation and parole, local departments are being taxed by the onslaught of those addicted to drugs who are already in the system, as well as the many who will surely be introduced to Centre County justice as the problem continues to grow. “It’s definitely a problem that came fast and grew quickly,” said Diane Conrad, chief of the Ferguson Township Police Department. “I don’t think people really thought it would become the problem that it was going to be until it was too late. We’re seeing more and more of it every day, and the horrific things it does to people, their families and the community. Unfortunately, it’s grown a little beyond our grasp now, and we’re all trying to catch up.”
INSIDE n Pain as ‘fifth vital sign’ played role in crisis n Locking up addicts no answer, officials say n 7 questions to ask your doctor about opioids n How citizens can make a difference
“WE’RE SEEING more and more of it every day, and the horrific things it does to people, their families and the community.” Diane Conrad (left)
chief, Ferguson Township police Police officers are often the first legal contact a drug user encounters. She, like several of her peers, agrees that it is tough to put an exact number on how many drug-related cases are handled by her office. “It’s impossible to put a number on it, but I can tell you it’s a lot,” Conrad said. “When we are on a scene and there is drug paraphernalia there, or illegal substances, that’s pretty cut and dry. That’s definitely a drug case. But, some anecdotal cases come from breaking into homes or cars. These are considered burglaries, but what the charges don’t show is that these people were committing these crimes to feed their habits. Epidemic, Page 7
DEP cites ‘significant’ concerns with quarry plan By MARK BRACKENBURY editor@centrecountygazette.com
COLLEGE TOWNSHIP — The state Department of Environmental Protection is raising “significant” concerns with a controversial proposal to mine 200 feet deeper at the Oak Hall Quarry. While no final decision has been made, “technical deficiencies” cited by the DEP could put that plan in jeopardy. The DEP has given Hanson Aggregates, which operates the quarry, until Friday, May 26, to address its concerns with the plan. The concerns focus on potential sinkholes and risks to Spring Creek. The creek runs adjacent to the limestone quarry off Boalsburg Road. In a 10-page letter to a Hanson official dated March 24, DEP geologist William C. Brusse said the agency is concerned with the groundwater model Hanson submitPolice Blotter .................... 2 Opinion .......................... 10
ted as part of its application for a major permit revision. The letter said “there would be significant uncertainty and potential risk to Spring Creek if the model results were accepted as reasonably predictive of the effects of mining” 200 feet deeper. To minimize risks and to further evaluate the matter, the DEP said it is considering the inclusion of a permit condition that would allow for mining only 50 feet deeper. Digging another 50 feet in the future would require the submittal of another major modification application. The DEP letter also noted that “lowering the water table by any measurable distance beneath Spring Creek presents a considerable risk” of sinkholes developing. DEP, Page 5
Health & Wellness .......... 11 Safe Driving .................... 13
Community .................... 15 Easter Services ............... 20
Image from Google Earth
THIS GOOGLE EARTH satellite photo shows the Oak Hall Quarry, far left, with Spring Creek running alongside. Sports .............................. 23 Around & In Town ......... 31
What’s Happening ......... 34 Puzzles ............................ 36
Business .......................... 37 Classified ........................ 39