North Webster Approves Synthetic Drug Law

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By Jordan Fouts-

NORTH WEBSTER – Town Council passed an ordinance Tuesday that town attorney Jack Birch described as a tool to combat synthetic drugs in North Webster.
Birch said the law uses the definition of synthetic drugs contained in the state criminal code and introduces a fine for involvement in the drugs. He drafted the ordinance at the request of North Webster Police Chief Greg Church, who last month requested a “backup plan” because of the changing landscape of state laws on synthetic drugs.
The law prohibits the use, sale, delivery, manufacturing, marketing or possession of synthetic drugs and synthetic drug lookalike substance within North Webster. The law sets a fine of $250 for first offense and $500 for subsequent offense.
It will take effect after publication.
Council also approved an update and extension of a 1998 agreement with Housing Assistance Office Inc., which the company requested in order to refinance. The agreement has no impact on the town financial or otherwise, Birch observed.
And council set a meeting with London Witte Group LLC for Jan. 16 at 1 p.m. to begin talks on a water rate study. Council in August approved the $8,000 to  $10,000 contract with London Witte, which will determine whether a rate hike is needed and will also take into account the town’s agreement with Knapp Lake Regional Sewer District.
Also during the meeting, resident Ben Ashpole proposed the town look into installing sidewalks with a covering over them that can be used to grow herbs and produce. He told council the sidewalks could pay for themselves over time if the produce were sold by the town to area stores and restaurants.
After asking several questions about the plan, council directed Ashpole to get a quote from a designer for the cost of a prototype which they can give a yes or no vote.[[In-content Ad]]

NORTH WEBSTER – Town Council passed an ordinance Tuesday that town attorney Jack Birch described as a tool to combat synthetic drugs in North Webster.
Birch said the law uses the definition of synthetic drugs contained in the state criminal code and introduces a fine for involvement in the drugs. He drafted the ordinance at the request of North Webster Police Chief Greg Church, who last month requested a “backup plan” because of the changing landscape of state laws on synthetic drugs.
The law prohibits the use, sale, delivery, manufacturing, marketing or possession of synthetic drugs and synthetic drug lookalike substance within North Webster. The law sets a fine of $250 for first offense and $500 for subsequent offense.
It will take effect after publication.
Council also approved an update and extension of a 1998 agreement with Housing Assistance Office Inc., which the company requested in order to refinance. The agreement has no impact on the town financial or otherwise, Birch observed.
And council set a meeting with London Witte Group LLC for Jan. 16 at 1 p.m. to begin talks on a water rate study. Council in August approved the $8,000 to  $10,000 contract with London Witte, which will determine whether a rate hike is needed and will also take into account the town’s agreement with Knapp Lake Regional Sewer District.
Also during the meeting, resident Ben Ashpole proposed the town look into installing sidewalks with a covering over them that can be used to grow herbs and produce. He told council the sidewalks could pay for themselves over time if the produce were sold by the town to area stores and restaurants.
After asking several questions about the plan, council directed Ashpole to get a quote from a designer for the cost of a prototype which they can give a yes or no vote.[[In-content Ad]]
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092

e-Edition


e-edition

Sign up


for our email newsletters

Weekly Top Stories

Sign up to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every Sunday

Daily Updates & Breaking News Alerts

Sign up to get our daily updates and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox daily

Latest Stories


Public Occurrences 04.29.25
County Jail Bookings The following people were arrested and booked into the Kosciusko County Jail:

Warsaw BZA Approves Plasma Donation Center Lab On Detroit St.
One of the four petitions presented to the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals Monday was for a special exception for a laboratory on North Detroit Street.

Issues With Notification Mailings Appear To Be On The Rise, City Attorney Says
Issues with notifications sent out by mail reduced the number of items on the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeal’s agenda Monday from six to four.

Hoffert Talks About Possible Effects Of SB 1 On WCS
Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert told the Warsaw School Board Monday about the financial impacts of Senate Bill 1 for Warsaw Community Schools.

Elevator Shaft Takes Shape As Construction Revs Up At Union Station Lofts
The first major sign of construction, an elevator shaft, is now visible at the site of the future apartments and commercial development on the old Gatke property on McKinley Street in Warsaw.