VERGENNES — Vergennes police twice between Nov. 7 and 13 issued drug citations to passengers of vehicles stopped for speeding on West Main Street, while also citing the drivers for non-drug-related violations. 
On Nov. 8, police cited a Bristol resident for marijuana possession and a Bridport resident for a civil charge of driving with a suspended license after they pulled over a car driven by Timothy J. Williams, 23, of Bristol. Police said they noticed drug paraphernalia in the vehicle, and during a consent search of the car found about 60 grams of marijuana in a backpack.
Police cited a passenger, Megan Thompson, 20, of Bristol with the possession of the drug. They also learned Williams’ license had been suspended and issued a citation for driving with a suspended license.
On Nov. 10 Vergennes police cited Kashief R. Thompson, 21, of Brooklyn, N.Y., for excessive speed after stopping his car for allegedly traveling 67 mph in a 30 mph zone on West Main Street.
During the traffic stop, police cited a passenger, Andrew Hollins, 24, also of Brooklyn for possession of 1.3 ounces of marijuana.
Police Chief George Merkel this week also announced a forum for residents of Vergennes and surrounding towns on the impact of illegal drugs on the larger Vergennes area. The forum will be held at 7 p.m. on Nov. 30 at St. Peter’s Parish Hall on South Maple Street and will feature representatives of state and local government, local schools and law enforcement agencies, medical and counseling agencies, rehabilitation facilities and civic organization.
Merkel said the forum would focus not only on how drugs are affecting the community, but also on what actions citizens can take to minimize their impact and prevent future problems. All are invited to attend, he said.
In other incidents between Nov. 7 and 13, Vergennes police:
•  On Nov. 7 dealt with a complaint of dogs running loose on Mountain View Lane.
•  On Nov. 7 handled a barking dog complaint on Booska Court; police said they expect to issue a citation in that case.
•  On Nov. 8 spoke to Vergennes Union High School middle school students about substance abuse issues.
•  On Nov. 8 told a woman harassing a man at a Northlands Job Corps worksite to stay away from the area.
•  On Nov. 8 searched the Short Street area unsuccessfully for kids reported to be ringing doorbells and running away.
•  On Nov. 9 checked the welfare of a child at a First Street home at the request of one of two parents; the child was fine. Police fulfilled the same request with the same result on Nov. 11.
•  On Nov. 10 searched a car at the Agency of Transportation commuter lot because its operator acted suspiciously and it contained material that could be used to package drugs, but found nothing.
•  On Nov. 10 went to Goshen to help Vermont State Police investigate a home invasion.
•  On Nov. 11 accepted unneeded pain medication for destruction.
•  On Nov. 11 began investigating an incident on a school bus in which one student allegedly showed a knife to another in a threatening manner.
•  On Nov. 11 dealt with a one-car accident on New Haven Road.
•  On Nov. 12 heard from a city woman that another woman was allegedly stalking her; the second woman claimed the first woman was making harassing phone calls. Police told the women to stay away from and not to make contact with each other.
•  On Nov. 13 responded to a White Street noise complaint and called the Vergennes Area Rescue Squad to take a drunken woman to Fletcher Allen Health Care for treatment of a respiratory problem.
•  On Nov. 13 helped VARS at a Battery Hill call.