Walk Like MADD seeks support
By Pearl Cantell
Monitor Staff Writer
GUN BARREL CITY–Mothers Against Drug Driving have been behind some of the laws aimed at getting drunk drivers off the roadways, Henderson County district Attorney Scott McKee told Kiwanis Club members.
The legal intoxication threshold of .08 percent alcohol content in the blood was just one of those laws, he said.
McKee, county attorney Clint Davis, sheriff Ray Nutt and victims assistance coordinantor Deanna Browning were special guests at the club’s weekly meeting at the Jalapeno Tree Aug. 17.

Monitor Photo/Pearl Cantrell
AT RIGHT: Victim assistance coordinator Deanna Browning holds a T-shirt showing the names of sponsors of last year's Walk Like MADD event. The second annual Mothers Against Drunk Driving fundraising seeks sponsorships of $100 and more for the Oct. 22 walk in Gun Barrel City.

All four are talking up support for the upcoming Walk Like MADD fundraiser set for Saturday, Oct. 22 in Gun Barrel City.
“We rely heavily on MADD for their advocacy and counseling for victims of drunk-driving and their families,” McKee said. “It’s a good organization, worthy of your support.”
This year’s goal is to raise $18,300. So far, just $4,100 has been raised Browning reported.
Kids can register as walkers and get a free event T-shirt for just $15, adults register for $20. “Or you can be a virtual walker,” she said.
“We’re also looking for sponsorships, walkers and volunteers to help the day of the event,” Browning added.
All funding raised stays right here in Henderson County so needed services to victims continue to be provided at no cost.
Sponsors who sign on by Aug. 20 get their names included in all media and collateral materials (based on sponsorship level).
Sponsorship forms are available through the offices of the county and district attorney, or online at www.MADD.org.
Those wanting to participate as a sponsor may call Browning at (903) 675-6100 or Diane Russ at (903) 675-6112.
McKee said last year, his office prosecuted 76 felony drunk-driving offenses. Of that number 12 cases were for intoxicated assault. Four people were killed in drunk-driving offenses and charges of vehicular manslaughter prosecuted, he said.
The bulk of the misdemeanor cases handled by the county attorney’s office are DWIs, or about 350 cases a year.
“That’s one DWI per day,” Davis said.

Monitor Photo/Pearl Cantrell
AT RIGHT: Marty Mullens presents a check for $100 from the Kiwanis Club of Cedar Creek Lake to help sponsor the second annual Walk Like MADD event to co-chairwoman Deanna Browning. Henderson County officials supporting the event include district attorney Scott McKee (right), county attorney Clint Davis (back, left) and sheriff Ray Nutt.

A first offense might get 16-18 months probation and a fine of $1,000.
A repeat offense could earn you six months to a year in jail, $2,000-$4,000 fine and up to two years on probation, plus surcharges on your driver’s license up to $3,500, he added.
A new law on the books this year allows an officer to enforce a blood or breath test from anyone he strongly suspects of having had two or more drinks before getting behind the wheel.
Of course, it’s a straight felony offense if the driver has a child under the age of 15 in the car with him and exhibits signs of intoxication.
A felony arrest also means an automatic blood and breath test. Less than that, and the driver must agree to a test, he explained.