Law enforcement officials worry about cuts to WING task force funding

Budget cuts in Washington may again affect funding of the Western Nebraska Intelligence and Narcotics Group (WING).

In 2005, the interagency task force received $229,546 in grant funds. A year ago, that amount had been slashed to $70,000. With current cutbacks on the federal level, some fear this year's allocation may fall short even of that mark.

“It’s petty tough—we have to buy equipment and pay the salary for an officer,” said Joseph Aikens, Sidney's acting police chief.

A significant portion of the funds used by local departments to investigate narcotic possession cases depend upon federal...