(KLZA)-- During the February 15th Richardson County Commissioners meeting, Sheriff Rick Hardesty and Chief Deputy Sheriff Roland Merwin informed Commissioners of grants awarded to the Sheriff's Department.

A $2,500 mini-grant was received to assist with the purchase of one DataMaster evidentiary breath testing instrument.

A $2,400 mini-grant was received to assist wit the purchase of two radar units and $1,770 was awarded to the Sheriff's Office for six preliminary breath tester units.

The grant funds come from the Nebraska Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office and the Highway Safety Incentive Funds program.

It was also noted that the Sheriff's Office anticipates receiving funds from the grant application submitted to the USDA for the purchase of law enforcement equipment.

Sheriff Hardesty also informed Commissioners that on March 1, multiple agencies will be conducting a methamphetamine forum from 9:00 a.m. until noon at the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center. The meeting will provide information on combating the meth problem in Nebraska.

Agencies scheduled to be involved include the FBI, Drug Enforcement Agency, Nebraska State Patrol, U.S. Attorney's Office and the Nebraska Attorney General's Office as well as local agencies.