Traffic stop nets 11 grams of heroin

LUCASVILLE — A Chesapeake teen was arrested Friday afternoon for heroin possession after a traffic stop by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

April Panchal-Johnson, 18, was taken to the Scioto County Jail after 11 grams of heroin, used syringes and a crack pipe were found on her person. Panchal-Johnson was the rear passenger of the vehicle.

Troopers from the Portsmouth Patrol Post stopped a 1997 Honda Accord for a marked lanes violation at about 4:12 p.m. on U.S. 23 near milepost 12 in Lucasville.

A press release from the OSHP said criminal indicators were present and a canine unit was called to the scene.

Panchal-Johnson was charged with possession of heroin, a second-degree felony, and possession of a drug abuse instrument.

 

Ohio group honors people who died due to drugs

PORTSMOUTH (AP) — People who died from drug-related causes will be honored this weekend at a memorial celebration in a southern Ohio county ravaged by prescription drug abuse.

The support and action group SOLACE, or Surviving Our Loss and Continuing Everyday, is holding the event Sunday in Scioto County to celebrate the lives of those who died and offer encouragement to recovering addicts.

Board member Barbara Howard’s daughter died in 2009 of a toxic mix of prescribed painkillers and muscle relaxants. Howard says recovering addicts and those who have lost family members to drugs will share their stories at the event. Photos also will be added to a permanent memorial display honoring lost loved ones.

The group also has been working to promote chapters in other counties.

 

OUS spring classes begin Jan. 14

IRONTON — Ohio University Southern, a regional campus of Ohio University, is enrolling now for spring semester classes beginning on Jan. 14.

To speak with an admissions counselor, contact the office of student services at (740) 533-4600 in Ironton or (740) 886-7655 in Proctorville.

Additional admission information and an online application can be accessed at www.enrollous.com.