CLINTON COUNTY -- On this Easter weekend, some folks will be home celebrating with family, but police expect some to be out drinking. And if you can believe some new statistics, Clinton County will definitely see its share of people using alcohol to celebrate.
Have you had more than four or five alcoholic beverages in one sitting in the past month? Do you have more than one or two drinks per day? According to the 2015 health ranking, you may be an excessive drinker.
"If you asked anyone, well there is nothing to do around here than drink, so that's what they do.”
The annual county by county health ranking, which is a collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, says Clinton County has more excessive drinkers than any other county in Pennsylvania.
"Upset, yeah, in a way I kind of expected it," said Justin Shirk.
Shirk says he doesn't drink alcohol, but he knows people who do abuse it.
"It is definitely a problem and it is everywhere," said Shirk.
“I'm a little surprised by it. I never thought this community would turn into an alcoholic community,” said Richard Herman.
The survey found that 25 percent of people in Clinton County reported binge drinking over the past 30 days or heavily drinking. The results do not sit well with folks in Lock Haven.
"There should be a limit to it, cops on duty keep a crack on it," Herman said.
Excessive drinking doesn't just happen in cities. Officers in Pine Creek Township say it's happening in their township, too.
"It's really putting an effect on us and what we have to do and the safety of others on the road," said Office Brian Kitko.
Officer Kitko says officers will be out this holiday weekend patrolling.
"The alcohol use on weekends and holiday weekends especially do tend to rise," said Officer Kitko.
"If people go out of their way, that's fantastic. I think there should be more awareness for that considering the circumstances."
People in Clinton County looking for help with substance abuse can reach out to local agencies for assistance.