As with any major story, there are people who offer their comments, their perspective, their help to ensure all the information available is presented.

With the Tribune’s recent 10-story series on meth use in Freeborn County and our community, there are more than the usual number of people who helped.

But for their willingness to talk candidly about their experiences with meth &045; from the father who helped his daughter get off meth, the meth users themselves and a mother who continues to hope her son will remain clean &045; there would be no story.

Each of these people talked about their fears, frustrations and their lives and the impact meth had on their families. The

news staff thanks each one for their desire to help so many others through their stories.

Of course, without the assistance of the chemical dependency counselors, local law enforcement officers, and medical community, there also would be nothing to say. While one could argue talking about such dangers is what they should do, their willingness to devote so much time to the meth discussion was appreciated and we remain indebted to them.

To anyone we have overlooked, we can’t say enough thank yous in helping us bring this social problem to the forefront.

Finally, to the reporters who worked so diligently to bring these stories to your attention: You did a great service to your community.