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After the murder of eight Pike County residents shook the area on Friday, April 22, members of the surrounding communities have been trying to make sense of the events.

The Daily Times asked our Facebook audience how this news has impacted them and any precautions they may be taking to stay safe.

“I took extra precautions to make sure that my home was locked down. I made sure the windows, locks, and any other access points were secured. I also slept with my gun next to my bed,” Heather Eggers explained.

Developments in the investigations found that marijuana growing operations were found on some of the properties.

“I think this is a wake up call for our area to beef up our narcotic squads to prevent this from ever happening again,” said Jennifer Ratliff.

On the opposite side, some believe that de-criminalizing marijuana may help prevent incidents like this in the future.

Facebook user Adam Shuff said, “I’m going to vote in favor of legalizing marijuana not just to keep my family safe, but to provide a less violent and more safe environment for everyone. If we legalize and regulate marijuana sales and growth, it mostly takes the black market out of growing and selling marijuana, thus reducing the risks involved of growing and selling marijuana. No more families will have to be murdered as a result of impeding on someone else’s or some other gang’s drug territory.”

To read many more reactions, visit the Daily Times Facebook page.

In the wake of the deaths, a team of counselors from the Scioto Paint Valley Mental Health Center will be providing community counseling sessions at the Waverly, Piketon, and Western branch libraries.

The Waverly sessions will take place on Tuesday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, April 27 from 1 until 3 p.m.,Thursday, April 28 from 2 – 4 p.m. and Friday, April 29 from 10 a.m. until noon.

The Piketon sessions will take place from 1 until 3 p.m. on April 26, 10 a.m. until noon on April 2, and Friday, April 29 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Counseling sessions at the Western branch will take place April 26-29 from 3 until 5 p.m.

A memorial fund has been established at Fifth-Third National Bank. Donations can be made to the Rhoden Memorial Fund at any Fifth-Third location.

Gatti’s Pizza, 1658 11th St, Portsmouth, will be holding a fundraiser on Thursday, April 28 to benefit the Rhoden Family. Throughout the day 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. ten percent of all sales will be donated to the family.

Staff Report

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