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Wednesday December 18, 2024 

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Our Children

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Danielle McCarthy
Washington

Christi Nowak
Georgia

Anke Furber
Georgia

Levi Wren
Washington

Ephrain Schultz
New York

Mark R Ellis
Rhode Island

Sean P. Efford
New Mexico

Caitlyn Brady
New Hampshire

Katty McGuire Andrea
Washington

JP Faulk
Florida

Michael Miller
Massachusetts

Chuck Tabaka
Wisconsin

Miranda Daly
California

Jamie Leavitt
Washington

Kaylin Marie Mathews
California

RJ Davis
Alabama

Billy Grandchamp
Rhode Island

Nicholas Werhofnik
Georgia

Rebecca Marks
New York

Dustin Kueter
South Dakota

Chase Denver Julian
Louisiana

Katelynn Porter
Ontario,Canada

Tony Trujillo
Colorado

Billy Joe Towle Jr.
Michigan

Kelley Wilson
Alabama

Rhiannon Fraser
Florida

Vivianna Satterfield
New Mexico

Kelli Laine Lewis
South Carolina

Taylor Smith
Georgia


Danielle cherished family, friends and life. She had her whole life planned out; her husband, number of kids, two dogs and would be a dermatologist, a career where she could help others but have time for her family.
Christi had just enrolled in college. She just began taking First Baptist Church shuttles downtown every Thursday to befriend the homeless. Just chit chatting with them and letting them know they had a friend. In her journals, she was determined to turn her life around and she started by helping others. She volunteered often for the M.U.S.T. Ministries to help set up their clothing shop for the homeless and the children's center. She helped cooked their meals. She helped do their laundry. She wanted to go into a field helping others. She would have changed at least one person's life, for the better, when they thought there was no more hope. She didn't show up last Thursday. She died.
In the months before she was killed, 21-year-old Anke Furber had been acting scared and she seemed to know she was in danger. Several days after Furber's charred remains were discovered in a small vineyard in Norcross, Anke's mom, Ria, found a note in Anke's desk at home in Marietta. In it, Anke seemed to foreshadow her own death. She wrote, "My parents would surely grieve the loss of their wonderful daughter whose craziness would soon lead to her slaughter". Ria isnt sure exactly when the note was written, but believes it was written in a close time frame to the actual murder.
At 22 years old, Levi had goals and ambitions of being a business owner, a husband and a father. He loved his family and friends with everything in him and would do anything for you. His shyness and manners we're a shining attribute to who he was. Unfortunately, Levi befriended someone who for nearly three years took advantage of his kindness and when asked to leave his home, he killed him. If he would have just walked out the door as asked, Levi would still be here today. We'll never know all the wonderful things that Levi would have accomplished, but we know he was a "Friend" till the end.
Ephraim was 21 yrs old when he prematurely transitioned to the other side. He was a very warm hearted young man. And was always available to help friends and family. As his cousin Ben said about him: "You can lay a 1,000. on the table and know completely that Ephraim would have never taken it". He spent most of his days at Antique World in Clarence , NY which was owned and operated by his Uncle. That was my sons world. A world he will no longer be able to participate in. He is sorely missed by his family and friends.
Mark suffered a brain injury at the age of 19 the night of a high school prom. Mark died at the age of 25. Life was hard for Mark, he lived an aphasic life. Mark struggled to relearn his alphabet and to speak again. Neuro rehab, drug rehab, jails, institutions and death. Mark was disabled and a fighter all at the same time. College, heavy equipment operator, volunteering were all part of these six years. Mark loved kids and wished he had one. Due to the selfish reasoning of his so called friends, Mark will never be able to achieve his dreams that he fought so hard for. Mark's struggle is over !! PEACE..........
His friends describe him as a kind, warm hearted, full of energy, always smiling, and a very silly young man. They also said that whenever Sean walked into a room that he had the ability lighting up the room because he was full of life and energy! He loved his dad, his mom, and his sister very much. He had a very special bond with his great grandma Efford and his great aunt Charlene whom also up in heaven with him. A warm hug from Sean was just another way that he showed his affection to his family and friends
When Cayte was in the middle school she was on the track team, she was a cheerleader for the Nor-Roc Vikings, she was on a soccer team, and she loved attending the dances at the Sad Cafe. When she went to high school, all of those activities stopped. The sad reason was because she was too old. All the kids have, once they reach high school, are the woods and the homes of friends when the parents are at work. If she had activities to do after school when she went to high school, maybe this wouldn't have happened.
From her birth to her passing Katty touched so many lives. Not only did her family have the joy of watching her grow from a 6 pound baby girl to a beautiful young woman, but so many others did as well. The lives she touched are too many to fathom. Her beauty and grace preceded her where ever she went. Her heart was made of fine gold and she cared for others always before herself. She was not just special to all of us but to the Lord who saw fit to call her home at such a young age. Her mansion was ready! When we think of Katty now we all can be at peace because we know she is with her Lord, never to face this harsh world we live in day to day. She is with us always when we remember her smile, her touch, and her kind words. We all had the pleasure of being touched by an ANGEL!
We want our son's name to be Remembered and to bring hope and joy out of something that has been the darkest and heartbreaking days of our families life. JP was very out spoken and we have decided to be that way on this site and to be his voice about the drug companies and the public official's that sit back and do nothing. If we could save one person from what our family had to go Through and is still going Through, it would be all worth it We will not stop until the truth gets out. We want his memory to live on.
Time has gone by so quickly and it seems like we haven't seen your face in forever. Our hearts are broken, our tears flow so freely and our souls feel empty. Michael, you left us with so many happy memories but the memories can never take your place. We know you and your uncle Sam are saving a place for those who cherished you the most.
Two weeks before he died, Chuck called me on the phone. He was excited to tell me he was joining the National Guard. He had begun to think about being a History Teacher. He planned to attend school after basic training. He also mentioned a new girlfriend. He was pretty crazy about her but wanted to give things a little more time before making her "meet the parents". Still, we made plans to meet for lunch once July wound down. He thought we might all get together and told me not to worry, he had a job and would help pay the check. The first time I met the young lady he was so crazy about was as she cried herself senseless over his casket. She laid a broken heart chain and necklace across his hands. She wore the mating half around her slender neck. Her courage in court helped to solidify the deal that sent a drug dealer to prison. I hope she, and Chuck's other friends, make the right decision and swear off drug use so we may never see their faces on these pages.
Everyone ever touched by Miranda. This will be a tribute to the life she lived. She was the most remarkable and inspirational woman I have ever known. I was in awe of my own daughter. Even as her mother, her beauty took my breath away, and as she walked this earth from her crawling stages to adulthood her beauty from the inside amazed me. Miranda loved about every living thing and each friend she had she made her relationship with them special and unique.
Jamie was a very loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, boyfriend and friend.. Most importantly he was the best father anyone could have asked for.. Even though he was only 16 when he was taken away from us from his so called friend, he did everything for his daughter and mother of his daughter  that he had asked to marry him when he turns 18.. Jamie was the type of kid that would take his shirt off his back for anyone that needs it..  Jamie died on April 23, 2008.. If only his so called friend (29 yrs old), his mother and the other people at the home called 911 instead of waiting 3 hours, he would still be here with us today.. Jamie's dad passed away Nov 2005 and he had a hard time dealing with loosing his father and could not believe he was gone.. Well now Jamie is at home with his dad..Until we meet again... I am proud of you my son..Love you always and forever, Mommy
Kaylin Marie Mathews was born on a Tuesday March 1, 1988. Kaylin was my oldest child and my only daughter. She could play the piano, guitar, and drums and loved to sing. She had been "spinning records" the last few years and loved to mix music. She had been working as a d.j. at the time of her death and was very good. Kaylin was an only child for 71/2 years. She has one brother and one sister. She was a talented writer. She made jewelry and she could draw. There was nothing that my baby couldn't do, if she wanted to. Kaylin was left to die in a ravine on June 30, 2008. She was found on July 1, 2008. Her date of death is listed as a Tuesday July 1, 2008. She was 20 years old. I miss her every second of every day. The world lost an amazing talent and an amazing young woman. I lost a part of my heart.
R.J. was truly a blessing in our lives. He was the kind of son that most parents only dream of having. He always respected and obeyed his parents and never got in trouble. RJ was never in trouble in his life RJ always called home to let us know where he was and when he would be home. When he was missing and we couldn't reach him on his cell phone, we knew immediately something terrible was wrong. This is a nightmare that no parent should have to go through and we are living it. Our concern is not what we are going through, but what our son had to go through in his final moments of life.
William Michael Grandchamp better known as Billy, was born Nov 7,1979. HE was a only child. Billy had many friends. Billy often told his friends that his MOM was his best friend. Billy liked to collect sports attire like jerseys and sports caps.Everything he wore had to match. He was meticulous with his clothing, car, and home. Although, Billy had no children of his own he loved children. He told me his greatest wish was to find a good girl and settle down and have a family. That seemed to be very important to him. Even at a young age he had a gift with children. Billy's friends have always commented on how good he was with their children and how their children loved him. Billy was loved by so many people. He had over 800 friends and family members at his wake. Billy will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.
Chase lived life spontaneously with the freedom of a butterfly – a free spirit & soul – no one could hold him down, except his baby girl. She was his LIFE. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for her, including getting clean. Chase was clean 1.5 yrs, after 6 months in residential rehab in New Orleans, continued with NA meetings, substance abuse group counseling, and sought out a Navy recruiter who told him all he would have to do to be eligible. He seemed to be on his way, until he fell off the wagon 12 days out of jail. Turning to heroin again to deal with stress was the mistake of his life. “Chase’s Story” is shared with you on his main page. Thanks for taking time to read it. Sincere and heartfelt thanks to the FDLFD Family for taking us under their wings. “They will sing me to them, and I will hear.” ~RIP Chase~4evrYng~1985-2009
Katelynn Lillian Porter, 16, of West Elgin, was killed in a car crash on Dunborough Rd. in Elgin County. “In loving memory of Katelynn Porter. 12/12/09. 9:40 p.m.” is written between two hearts on the roadside memorial, a makeshift cross. Porter was a student at West Elgin secondary school, where officials are trying to come to grips with the news of her death, especially so close to Christmas.
Tony passed away 10 days after his 16th birthday. He asked permission to spend the night at his friends and I told him yes. I told him" I love you" and he replied "I love you too Mom. Tony was the kid who wanted to make everyone laugh. He had such a wonderful sense of humor and a big heart. He would talk to his friends for hours trying to help them solve their problems. He was a loving big brother, and a wonderful son. He would help you with anything without even being asked. Tony was an extremely intelligent child. He was always placed in advanced classes. A week before he passed we received a letter from Columbine informing us that Tony was nominated to participate in their advanced English Program. He had a gift for writing stories.
She loved all things technical and mechanical with her older brother Ian and fashion and decorating days with her older sister Genevieve. She loved Gothic country art, the workings of the human body, video games, driving and her new tattoo machine. She loved swimming and surfing. She loved all things living and loved her dog Timpleton and her parrot Thermopolis. She had a strong heart and soul, was an independent and progressive thinker, open minded and a will power like no one else. Her favorite place to go was Barnes and Noble.
Vivianna Satterfield was 15 years old! Vivi was the type of young lady that put other people in front of herself. She would always say "Peace and Love".
Kelli Laine Lewis is my only daughter. Kelli died when she was 18 after attending a party hosted by 3 adults who offered a $5.00 entry fee to come and drink all you wanted. A pretty tempting offer for teens not old enough to buy alcohol.
Growing up – she had it all. She was smart and witty - she could come up with a jovial comeback in almost any conversation or situation. She wShe was smart and witty - she could come up with a jovial comeback in almost any conversation or situation. She was always photographing everything and always laughing. She had an infectious laugh, loud and squeaky, but incredibly endearing. Taylor was a huge fan of Tyler Perry’s Madea. She owned every play and knew every word to every gospel song in the plays. She would sing them at the top of her lungs to anyone that would listen. as always photographing everything and always laughing. She had an infectious laugh, loud and squeaky, but incredibly endearing.
He went out THE FIRST TIME to celebrate being "LEGAL" with a creep he considered a friend (even though we warned him this guy was not a true friend). My son did not drive so he was picked up about ten thirty. Even when it was obvious my son was having difficulties this creep brought him to his own house , which is 4 houses away for a few hours, and dropped him off here at home in the middle of the night WITHOUT KNOCKING OR CALLING OR WAKING US UP. We found Ben in his bed the next morning when we tried to wake him.

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|| Main || Video || News Stories  || South Dakota HB1231 ||

In loving memory of

Dustin Kueter

May 13, 1991   -   June 18, 2009

Dustin Kueter

 

 
 

 
 
     




Dustin Kueter

Prescription drug abuse on the rise
State takes action to curb trend


By Lynn Taylor Rick, Journal staff | Monday, August 17, 2009


On June 18, Nancy Kueter's 18-year-old son Dustin died from a prescription drug overdose.

Until that day, Kueter didn't know her son was abusing prescription drugs. She also didn't realize just how pervasive prescription drug abuse has become.



"I just think people need to know," Kueter said. "If I could save another kid's life ...."

Dustin died in his own bedroom from an overdose of the prescription painkiller oxymorphone. Although he had had problems with marijuana use as a younger teenager, he was on probation and underwent frequent drug testing, Kueter said. He seemed to have turned the corner, with his recent graduation from Stevens High School and a new job he loved. "Actually, I thought he was doing great," Kueter said.

Kueter believes that the peer pressure to abuse prescription drugs was just too much for her son. She said three other people were in her son's bedroom the night he died. A police investigation into his death has been closed without any criminal charges filed, a fact that frustrates Kueter.

Nationwide, prescription drug abuse is on the rise. The Office of National Drug Control Policy calls the increase "a serious threat to public health and safety."

The three classes of prescription drugs most commonly abused are opioids, depressants and stimulants, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. To get the fastest and most potent high from the drugs, addicts crush the pills before snorting or smoking them. They also liquefy and inject the drugs.

Nationwide, unintentional deaths involving prescription opioids increased 114 percent from 2001 to 2005, and treatment admissions increased 74 percent in the same time period.

Deaths from prescription drug abuse now rank second only to car accidents as the leading cause of death.

South Dakota has not escaped the trend, said Craig Price, supervisory special agent with the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.

From 2006 to 2008, statewide drug arrests have steadily increased for prescription drug violations. There were 44 arrests for the narcotic hydrocodone/Vicodin in 2006. By 2008, arrests had risen to 120.

Arrests for oxycodone/OxyContin rose from 22 in 2006 to 77 in 2008.

During the same 2006-2008 period, arrests for the street drug methamphetamine dropped from 705 to 419.

In 2005, the state of South Dakota began restricting the sale of medications containing pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, a key ingredient in meth. Price said law enforcement officers speculate that as it became more difficult to make meth, addicts turned to other drugs.

"Meth traditionally was easily made by anyone," Price said.

Laura Lewis, clinical supervisor at the City/County Alcohol & Drug Programs in Rapid City, said they, too, have seen an increase in the number of people seeking treatment for opiate abuse. From January to December 2007, 22 people were admitted with an opiate addiction. During the same time period in 2008, the number rose to 48 people.

And in the past six weeks, the detox center has admitted one or two people every week who are addicted to prescription drugs.

Rapid City Regional Hospital's emergency department doesn't track specific drugs in overdose cases, but the hospital experienced an increase in all drug overdoses -- four during fiscal year 2007 to 15 in the same corresponding period in 2009.

With an eye toward the rising numbers, South Dakota Attorney General Larry Long took steps last year to address prescription drug abuse in the state.

He created two Division of Criminal Investigation positions to focus solely on investigating prescription drug abuse.

John Wenande, who worked previously with the Rapid City Police Department, took that DCI position at the first of the year. He investigates all prescription drug crime in western South Dakota.

Wenande said based on what he sees now, he expects arrests for prescription drug violations to double from 2008 to 2009. "We can see the up-tick," he said.

Wenande said one of the most common ways addicts get prescription drugs is by "doctor shopping." Addicts visit different physicians, who unknowingly prescribe the same medications. The abuser than sells or abuses the drug.

Wenande said prescription narcotics generally sell for about $1 per milligram on the street, making them a lucrative venture. He recently investigated a woman who obtained a prescription from her doctor because she was experiencing pain. She then obtained another prescription from a second doctor. She used the initial prescription to treat her pain and sold the second bottle of pills, earning $1,200 a month for a year before she was caught.

Addicts also forge prescriptions, alter prescriptions, rob pharmacies and steal from relatives and strangers. Wenande said in one local case, visitors to an open house were stealing medication from the homeowner's medicine chest.

"It's all walks of life," Wenande said.

In addition to hiring two DCI agents, the attorney general's office is also planning to implement a prescription drug database to combat the problem.

DCI agent Craig Price said the database would mirror the one used in North Dakota, which requires pharmacists to log whenever a prescription for a controlled substance is filled.

Howard Anderson, executive director of the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy, said doctors can then electronically check patients' prescription drug histories.

"The purpose of the program is to provide better care to those patients taking controlled substances," Anderson said. "Practitioners are universally supportive of it. They feel it's been a real benefit in taking care of their patients."

The secondary beneficiaries of the database would be law enforcement, Price said. Officers could access the database for ongoing investigations.

Although Kueter is glad to see the problem being addressed in South Dakota, the interventions are obviously too late for her son. And Kueter is convinced parents don't realize just how many kids are dabbling in prescription drug abuse.

"A lot of people don't know about it," she said. "There were just no signs that Dustin was using these drugs."

She hesitates to offer advice, saying only that she wants the message out there so other parents don't face the same grim reality she did.

"Watch your kids, and make sure you know who they're really hanging around with," she said. "I want it to stop."

Commonly abused prescription drugs

y Opioids: Used for their pain-relieving properties, medications that fall under this class include morphine, codeine, oxycodone (OxyContin, Percodan, Percocet).

y Depressants: Used as sedatives and tranquilizers, depressants slow normal brain function. Some that fall under this class include barbiturates and benzodiazepines, such as Valium, Zanax and Halcion.

y Stimulants: These drugs increase alertness, attention and energy while elevating blood pressure and increasing heart rate and respiration. They are prescribed for treatment of such conditions as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, narcolepsy and depression.

Addicts take the prescription drugs in various ways: ingesting, snorting, smoking and liquefying them and shooting them intravenously.

Source: The National Institute on Drug Abuse

Treating prescription drug abuse

Kicking an addiction to prescription opiates doesn't come easy or cheap.

Laura Lewis, clinical supervisor at the City/County Alcohol & Drug Programs, said the initial stage of opiate drug detoxification can be excruciating for an addict.

"When someone comes down from opiates, it's like getting the flu times 10," Lewis said.

Treatment programs sometime use the drug Buprenorphine, which can help prevent withdrawal symptoms. The drug has a low rate of abuse and addiction, Lewis said.

But even with the withdrawal symptoms relieved, addicts still face other challenges.

Lewis said often, an addict began taking the abused medication for legitimate pain reasons. That makes it even more difficult to end an addiction because they still have the pain.

Another challenge: the length of rehabilitation needed.

Unlike many rehabilitation programs that last about 30 days, prescription drug addiction requires six months. It is often too much for a person to commit to, financially or time-wise. "They need long term treatment, ... and long-term treatment isn't cheap," Lewis said.

Because of those challenges, people with addictions to prescription narcotic have a high rate of relapse, Lewis said.
 
     
   

 

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