Officer April D. Morgan amorgan@marionpd.net

Marion Police Department Officer April Morgan said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.The damage was concentrated in an upstairs bedroom, but while the blaze spared the downstairs, it sustained smoke and water damage, she said.According to Morgan, all of the children's clothes were lost to the fire, including a "closet full" of new clothes for the older child, a 5-year-old boy, who starts to school in one week.He has a brother, age one.Morgan is serving as contact person in an effort to secure donations of clothes, food, money and household goods.The 5 year old wears size 5 to 6 clothes and size 13 to 1 shoes.The toddler wears size 12- to 18-month tops, 12-month bottoms, and size 5 shoes.Their mother wears size 10 pants, medium-large shirts and size 8 shoes.The family can use "anything anyone would like to donate," Morgan said, from bedding to furniture, kitchen items and toys.Non-perishable foods and money will also be useful, she said.Donors can contact Morgan at the Marion Police Department, 783-8145, for more information about contributing.

April Morgan of the Marion Police Department said officers need more training in dealing with health issues."They're out the door before we can finish the paperwork," said Morgan, who has arrested the same people at three different labs."It's a slap in our face to see these people still on the street."Repeat offenders are common.Morgan said that the same two men were arrested at six of the 17 meth labs in Smyth County.

According to Investigator April Morgan of the Marion Police Department, officers found a methamphetamine lab in the basement of the house, as well as possible lab components in other parts of the building.Lt.Morgan said Virginia State Trooper Aaron Peery had a warrant for Grayson County resident Brian Allen Barr, age 27, as the result of an accident in Smyth County.Morgan said members of Smyth County's drug task force "would like to thank the community for all of the information and tips received and urge citizens to continue to contact us with any concerns or complaints.All of their help is greatly appreciated."Citizens can remain anonymous when giving information.Reach Investigator Morgan at the Marion Police Department 783-8154; or Investigator Danny Waddle at the Smyth County Sheriff's Office 783-7204.