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Farmers aren't the only ones working hard to get their crops out of the fields this season.
This is the time of year when marijuana growers have what's known as their golden harvest.
Pike County, Illinois Sheriff Paul Petty and his officers are keeping their eyes on area corn fields through surveillance video.
But the farmers growing the corn crops aren't the ones under investigation.
Officers are looking for a different type of grower.
"They'll section out a portion of the corn about four rows inside the field," Deputy Sheriff Matt Frazier said. "That way it will help the cannabis grow and stay hidden. This time of year they try to get the plants our before hunters hit the areas well as harvest time for the corn to risk their plants being lost."
Officers look for sections that are greener than the rest of the field, because corn turns yellow long before the marijuana leaves.
But they aren't the only ones who can stop it.
Farmers and hunters in rural areas can help by keeping an eye out for any suspicious activity.
"Look for people carrying buckets in and out of wood line areas or corn fields typically near ponds or creeks to use as a water source," Frazier said.
If you see anything strange, you're asked to contact your local law enforcement.
Overall, marijuana use and production is up in Pike County as compared to other drugs.
Officers make almost 30 marijuana-related arrests each month thanks to tips from the public.
When you think of a marijuana grower, you may get a certain picture in your mind.
But that image could be wrong.
We spoke with Adams County State's Attorney Jon Barnard.
He says he sees several people come through the courthouse on marijuana related cases who come from all walks of life.
"It's got a certain cultural acceptance because of how long it's been around and how easy it is to produce," Barnard said. "The second factor is a mistaken perception of that it is relatively harmless."
Barnard says even though this is a small area, cannabis cases are a constant in Adams county.
Marijuana is known as a gateway drug.
The West Central Illinois Task Force investigates several drug manufacturing operations, and a member says they almost always find marijuana at those sites.
Task force officers often pretend to be customers to better investigate drug makers and dealers.
Sergeant Mike Pigg says those arrested often admit their marijuana use started as young as eight years old.
"Don't take it lightly," Sergeant Pigg said. "Cannabis does a lot more harm than people think. It's a drug that leads to other drug use."
Newshawk: 420AM&PM - 420 Magazine
Source: WHQA Online (IL)
Pubdate: October 11, 2006
Author: Lisa Sparrow
Contact: Contact Us Form : KHQA7
Website: KHQA Online
This is the time of year when marijuana growers have what's known as their golden harvest.
Pike County, Illinois Sheriff Paul Petty and his officers are keeping their eyes on area corn fields through surveillance video.
But the farmers growing the corn crops aren't the ones under investigation.
Officers are looking for a different type of grower.
"They'll section out a portion of the corn about four rows inside the field," Deputy Sheriff Matt Frazier said. "That way it will help the cannabis grow and stay hidden. This time of year they try to get the plants our before hunters hit the areas well as harvest time for the corn to risk their plants being lost."
Officers look for sections that are greener than the rest of the field, because corn turns yellow long before the marijuana leaves.
But they aren't the only ones who can stop it.
Farmers and hunters in rural areas can help by keeping an eye out for any suspicious activity.
"Look for people carrying buckets in and out of wood line areas or corn fields typically near ponds or creeks to use as a water source," Frazier said.
If you see anything strange, you're asked to contact your local law enforcement.
Overall, marijuana use and production is up in Pike County as compared to other drugs.
Officers make almost 30 marijuana-related arrests each month thanks to tips from the public.
When you think of a marijuana grower, you may get a certain picture in your mind.
But that image could be wrong.
We spoke with Adams County State's Attorney Jon Barnard.
He says he sees several people come through the courthouse on marijuana related cases who come from all walks of life.
"It's got a certain cultural acceptance because of how long it's been around and how easy it is to produce," Barnard said. "The second factor is a mistaken perception of that it is relatively harmless."
Barnard says even though this is a small area, cannabis cases are a constant in Adams county.
Marijuana is known as a gateway drug.
The West Central Illinois Task Force investigates several drug manufacturing operations, and a member says they almost always find marijuana at those sites.
Task force officers often pretend to be customers to better investigate drug makers and dealers.
Sergeant Mike Pigg says those arrested often admit their marijuana use started as young as eight years old.
"Don't take it lightly," Sergeant Pigg said. "Cannabis does a lot more harm than people think. It's a drug that leads to other drug use."
Newshawk: 420AM&PM - 420 Magazine
Source: WHQA Online (IL)
Pubdate: October 11, 2006
Author: Lisa Sparrow
Contact: Contact Us Form : KHQA7
Website: KHQA Online
