Judge brings program on teenage drinking to schools

There has been considerable attention paid to the problem of teenage drinking recently, and a downstate judge has taken to the road in an effort to keep the focus there.

Circuit Judge Mark Drummond of Quincy is leading a blunt visual and interactive program called "Seven Reasons to Leave the Party" and is looking to bring it to schools in Lake County.

Lake County Circuit Judge Mary Seminara Schostok, the secretary of the Illinois Judges Association, said Drummond's program tries to get kids to make wise decisions when it comes to alcohol consumption.

Joined by a local judge and probation officer wherever he speaks, Drummond tells his audiences about the hundreds to thousands of dollars an alcohol infraction can cost.

He speaks about the problems a criminal record can cause in terms of employment or higher education, the impact drinking can have on driving privileges and the humiliating experience of urine tests for people on probation.

Drummond's program culminates with a contract teens sign with their parents in which the teens promise to do their best to resist alcohol and the parents pledge to provide a hassle-free ride home if their teen is ever in a safety-threatening situation or condition.

If you are interested in arranging for Drummond's program at your school or youth group, call Schostok at (847) 377-3626.

More Tasers for Sheriff: The Lake County sheriff's department is getting some more Taser stun guns for its deputies.

The Lake County board's Law and Judicial committee approved the purchase of 33 Tasers and 66 charge cartridges at its regular meeting Tuesday.

The new devices will be added to the 80 Tasers already in use by deputies.

Ray O' Herron Co. of Danville will be paid $28,611 for the weapons.

Deputies undergo special training before they are issued a Taser and the sheriff's office has 26 staff members certified to provide that training.

Boating class offered: The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering a safe boating course Saturday at the Waukegan Municipal Boat docks on the Lake Michigan lakefront.

The introductory course for boaters and personal water craft operators will be held from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Many insurance companies offer discounts to people who successfully complete the course.

For more information, call (847) 336-4870.

Heard in the hallway: Congratulations to Assistant State's Attorney Brett Henne and his wife, Kori, on the Oct. 30 birth of their daughter, Ava Grace.