Jumping horney toads, has it been busy. If this is a sign of things to come in 2010, man am I already looking forward to 2011. Since the first of the year everyone has been busy. We have seen an increase in cases all the way across the board, we are pushing toward the end of the construction at the jail, transports of prisoners seem to be everyday and district court had the largest docket I have ever seen. There was a famous man who once said, "Just shoot up here amongst us, one of us gots to have some relief". Man did he nail it on the head.

The drug situation has really hit home this week. We have jumped from felony arrest to felony arrest as fast as we could move. It seems we could not go on a call, make a traffic stop of drive down the street without making a narcotics case. I don't know about the rest of you, but I am sick of all the drug dealers, users and those individuals making excuses for them. It's time we go after them all, from the gram user to the ounce dealer, the marijuana smoker to the drunk driver and then let the San Saba juries sort out the ones that they want to let go.

One year ago a group of us stood in front of the jail and took a picture stating we would enforce zero tolerance in San Saba County. One year later we have pushed real hard to that goal and we are battered and bruised but not defeated. A few of these individuals have jumped ship, but the majority of us are still holding that line and it is a line that must be held. We cannot make the changes needed to change our future for the better if we don't start correcting the problems with the here and now.

No one wants to hear it, but alcohol is still the number one drug here in San Saba County, costing this county a small fortune each and every year. No one thinks of the expenses that the county accrues with each DWI arrest and each domestic violence case where someone got drunk and beat up their spouse. How about the accidents related to drinking and driving and the cost to the county in law enforcement, EMS, and fire response to the emergency and to the after effects as well. What about the children who witness the mental and physical abuse from alcohol and family violence, do you think we all pay for that. No one is denying an individuals right to drink, but at what point do we stand up and say enough is enough?

You have all heard of the large number of drug busts this month, with most of them occurring in the last nine days. Let me give you the rest of the story. We do not intend to stop there, we will continue each and every day pushing toward the next individual to bust and the next place to seize. Yes we will be seizing any and all assets that the law will allow when dealing with individuals using and or selling illegal narcotics. Every one of the felony narcotics cases filed so far this year have been crystal methamphetamine. Meth has a hold on this community, but I am telling you that unlike the big cities we can and will make a difference here. We can only do this though, if we all work together toward a common goal and that is the elimination of all illegal narcotics here in San Saba. I know, I'm crazy if I think we can stop all drugs here in San Saba and you are right. Yet, let me tell you something, if we shoot for that goal how much closer would we get then if we just look to dent it or slow it down? I believe that if two or more gather together and set their minds to working toward the better good, then that's two more than we had in the first place. I cannot promise you a lot of things, but I can promise you that as long as I am Sheriff of this county, we will do everything in our power to not only fight, but to eliminate methamphetamine from this county. We must go after every user and dealer with every law in our power and we must get help for those who really want it and follow that help up with jobs and assist them with getting structure back in their lives. Yes, we can and will make a difference and we are starting right now.

Well, the new 911 communications office is open for business. We are basically through and the dispatchers are getting moved in. Chief Deputy Bill Price and Jail Administrator Brenda Willis were there 24/7 for a couple days with construction crews and different companies all attempting to move their equipment at the same time. Yet, through all the rough water, we are now back on the relatively calm seas. I want to thank all those involved in assisting with this and the training that occurred on Saturday. Everyone is looking forward to our new computer systems and our new dispatch center.

Well, once again we want to thank everyone who has provided information and phone calls to put us in the right place at the right time to better do our jobs. Without your assistance the Sheriff's Office would not be as effective as we have been, and we ask that if you have information that you call 325-372-5551 or 5432. Thank you and God Bless.