Citizens of Richmond for Responsible Living is placing billboards at heavily traveled highways in the county to address the problems associated with driving while impaired.

The billboards are yet another way the group is reaching out to people in the county who may drink alcoholic beverages and drive.

Richmond County along with Hoke County received a state incentive grant through Sandhills Mental Health administered by Alcohol and Drug Services to design a campaign to deliver a message of responsibility to the communities because they are high on a list of alcohol-related accidents in the state.

Shirlyn Smith, program coordinator, said at a recent meeting that another part of the initiative is to provide intern positions with the offices of district attorneys.

She said candidates are being interviewed and selections will be decided in the next few weeks.

Concerned with illegal selling and using of alcoholic beverages at hangouts around the county, CORRL asked for a briefing from Richmond County Deputy Sheriff Maj. James Clemmons on nuisance abatement.

In the past, nuisance abatement laws have been used to close places of business in the county and in some cases demolish them.

He said the law applies to places which are readily seen and if a complaint has been made about illegal and unhealthy activities being conducted.

When it comes to the application of the law for alcohol and drug abuse, he said a case file has to be set up and numerous complaints made.

“We need facts and proof for the court,” he said before action is taken on orders from a judge.

And, he said, all procedures are done in accordance with considering the legal property rights of the parties involved.

Clemmons pointed to progress the county has made recently in removing junk cars and dilapidated structures as to the effectiveness of people working together.

“We have to have help,” he said in documenting complaints against property that could be declared a nuisance to be removed.

“These are quality of life issues,” he said.