terrible toll in our state...and county. The tragic murder of Harvey County deputy Kurt Ford and injury to detective Chris Eilert in Newton early Saturday morning underlines the danger law enforcement officers face in this day of widespread methamphetamine use.

The man arrested in the shootings is alleged to have been a meth user. Methamphetamines apparently were a factor in the shooting death of Greenwood County Sheriff Matt Samuels earlier this year.

Marion County has had its share of meth-related criminal activity, but fortunately we have been spared these horrible encounters. All of us would do well to be more alert to the tell-tale signs of meth labs in our communities and rural areas and report our suspicions to local law enforcement agencies so they can take appropriate action in the safest manner possible.

The dying must end. -DR