Perceived problems of kids hanging out in town and wreaking havoc is rapidly turning from a "bad kid issue" to one of problem-solving and community awareness.

Local police, volunteer workers and many teens agree the recent outburst of publicity over youth involvement in drug, alcohol and vandalism is the tail of a snake which has been wriggling through our community for several generations.

Many believe these so-called "troubled" youth are merely reflections of the greater problems plaguing adults, parents and the world at large. Some say these kids are just acting out the dysfunction in our families and culture.

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