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Maries County is seeing an increase in illegal activities by teens. The Sheriff's Office reported an increase in illegal prescription drug use by teens, along with an increase in DWI arrests of offenders under the age of 21. The department urges parents to be part of their child's life and interact wtih them the moment they notice any drastic changes in behavior.

Sheriff Chris Heitman said his deputies are working overtime paid for by a grant aimed at arresting DWI and drug offenders.

Maries County is also preparing for a preliminary hearing on involuntary manslaughter charges against John Mazurek. The 24-year-old was charged with involuntary manslaughter after authorities said he killed a pedestrian while driving while intoxicated in Maries County. He was also charged with 2nd degree assault for operating a vehicle while intoxicated resulting in injury.