Steamboat Pilot & Today

Jen Kenney sees the effects of methamphetamine use on a regular basis.

Kenney, a school resource officer for the Craig Police Department, meets with elementary school students whose school attendance depends on their parents' drug habits. She knows children as young as 11 who have used methamphetamine. She has participated in raids where 4-year-olds are found barefoot in homes littered with animal feces, loaded weapons and drug stashes.

And unlike the popular perception, the growing prevalence of methamphetamine in Northwest Colorado isn't confined to Moffat County.

"A lot of people think it's only a Craig problem," Kenney said. "It's definitely a problem in Routt County, too."

On Thursday, Kenney will lead an informational discussion and slideshow presentation about methamphetamine-related issues. The presentation, sponsored by Partners in Routt County, is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Bogue Hall, Room 300, on the Colorado Mountain College campus in Steamboat Springs.

The presentation is geared particularly for teenagers and will address the dangers of methamphetamine use and production, its effects on users and people close to users and how to recognize the drug and its related paraphernalia.

People of all ages are invited to attend the free presentation, including younger children if their parents think they are ready to learn more about methamphetamine.

Partners, a nonprofit organization that matches young county residents with older mentors, periodically sponsors "Life Skills Activities" such as Thursday's meeting, program coordinator Julia VanBenthuysen said.

Providing children, teenagers and parents with information about issues such as methamphetamine use can better prepare them for dealing with future situations, she said. It also raises awareness of community problems.

Anyone interested in attending Thursday's presentation is asked to RSVP by calling Partners at 879-6141.

-- To reach Brent Boyer call 871-4234 or e-mail bboyer@steamboatpilot.com