The city of Truesdale collected 159 pounds of outdated and unwanted prescription medications from area citizens during this year’s Prescription Take-Back program in late April. Police Chief Andy Huston reported the results Wednesday, May 8, during a meeting of the board of aldermen. “This program has really caught on in and beyond our community over the years,” Huston stated, noting that the city has taken back a combined total of more than 600 pounds of unused prescription medications during its last six collections. Sponsored locally by the city of Truesdale and the Missouri Rural Water Association (MRWA), the drug take-back program culminated Saturday, April 27. An officer with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) came to town to collect and safely dispose of pharmaceutical drugs turned in by citizens and health organizations throughout the area. Huston reported that in Missouri, more than 100 new drop sites were added this year. “The DEA had a challenge keeping to its pickup schedule because there were so many new drop sites this year,” Huston said. He told the board that people have come to Truesdale to drop off medications not only from Warren County, but other counties as well. “We’re keeping these substances out of the drinking water,” said Public Works Director Gilbert Nordwald. “There’s no doubt this is good for the environment and our health,” Huston emphasized. According to the MRWA, flushing or throwing pharmaceuticals in the garbage only allow them to re-enter the environment through the waste-water treatment process or by leaching into groundwater. Board President Shaylene Blackwood also reminded city leaders that the collection is an important deterrent to crime as prescription drug theft and misuse has become a major issue. The city of Truesdale will continue to collect prescription drugs with a drop-off bin at city hall. Torch Run Huston also provided an update on the Special Olympics Torch Run May 29, which will begin in Foristell and finish at Warrenton City Hall around noon. He invited citizens to come out to cheer on runners, who will run along the Interstate 70 south service road to Highway 47, then down to Market Street and up Main Street. Prescription File PhotoAP