By Representative Derek Lewis

As coal declined and hopelessness took its place, Appalachia became the perfect target for pill-peddling profiteers

“Emails to and from an AmerisourceBergen Drug Corp. executive presented Thursday at Huntington and Cabell County’s trial against opioid distributors revealed jokes, flippant remarks and mockery of Appalachians that continued within the company for years. The emails contained parody songs that used words like “pillbillies” and “Oxycotinville” to describe West Virginians.”

-The Herald Dispatch, May 13, 2021

MANCHESTER, KY (May 18, 2021) - Clay County Sheriff Patrick Robinson is reporting that on May 15, 2021 at approximately 1:00 AM Clay County Sheriff Deputy Wes Brumley along with Deputy Kendric Smith arrested Hunter Bell, 25 of Monticello.

LONDON, KY - Laurel County Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Laurel Sheriff's Deputy Hobie Daugherty along with Deputy James Fox arrested one adult male and took a 17-year-old female juvenile into custody early Sunday morning May 16, 2021 at approximately 1:15 AM.

PINEVILLE, KY (May 16, 2021) - The Bell County Sheriff's Department is reporting that at approximately 1:22 PM on Sunday, May 16, 2021 Bell County K-9 Deputy Adam Southern responded to a Rae May Road residence in reference to a landlord issue with a tenant.

MANCHESTER, KY - Clay County Sheriff Patrick Robinson is reporting that on May 5, 2021 at approximately 8:30 PM Clay County Chief Deputy Clifton Jones arrested Joseph Stewart, 38 of Sol Hollow.

By Representative Derek Lewis

The General Assembly’s commitment to protecting life was once again part of our agenda during the 2021 Legislative Session. The General Assembly continued to fight and defend the most vulnerable because we value and believe in the sanctity of life. As your representative, I believe it is my duty as an elected official to be a voice for the voiceless and stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves.