Posted by 2cents (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The cops need to patrol down there more often. I had to call the cops three times in less than 2 months on those same kids. That is their new 'hang out' spot and they don't move out of the way when you are trying to drive through the parking garage or park down there. The first time the cops were called down there was for those kids spray painting racist words and symbols on the parking garage walls, the second time was for them playing in the middle of the parking garage with 'fake' guns, pretending to shoot at each other, and the third time was for them going around peeking into all the vehicles in the parking spaces and trying to open the doors. From the looks of this article it is getting worse. Half of those kids either live or have friends that live in the River Inn apartments. Since the beginning of summer with their presence down there, the parking garage has gotten completely trashed. They even broke off the banks security camera from the wall. They need to grow up and get ready for school if they haven't dropped out already, and if that's the case, they need to get their butts looking for a JOB. If their parents are reading this, maybe you need to grow up too and take action before its too late!!

Posted by Brandon (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I cannot agree more with you, 2cents.

Posted by sweetminnesota (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

RIGHT ON!!!

Posted by killdeer (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 1:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe a video surveillance camera would be somewhat of a deterrent? It's only amatter of time until a serious crime is committed down in that garage...

Posted by Lala (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have to reply back to 'as27' :
Not all kids are punks, it's the parents that need to learn how to control their kids behavior. And to those parents who say they can't?? Well there are some good juvenile homes and boot camps out there to shape these kids up.
I agree that some of the youth around Fergus have been getting into trouble, so maybe the city needs to start thinking about opening a 'hang out' for these kids to go? That way atleast they won't be hangin' in a parking garage getting into trouble.

Posted by 2cents (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You are right, "Lala"....however these certain kids won't be caught dead at a `hang out` for youth such as an after school or weekend type place. They are too cool for that. They rather go smelling around for trouble to be 'cool' to their followers. Peer Pressure sucks!! Keep in mind not all FF kids are like that. There are some good kids around. We just never see them make the record section of the DL. We can only try with what we have but its up to those lovely offspring to make the right decisions.

Posted by moose1 (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Part of the problem with "kids today" is that the parents don't want them at home, but our lack of a community have prevented us from having a place for these kids to be. Why don't we have a community center that is affordable for everyone, the YMCA is not affordable for everything, so that they can be supervised and also be mentored by people that are willing to make them better people. A community center could support kids from ALL walks of life not just the ones that have money.

Posted by JL (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lala that was my thought too... I hate it when people stereotype kids as all being punks....some parents make it there priority to raise well behaved kids and because of the way they look they are called punks by people like as27.

Posted by mccain08 (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 5:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

these kids have nothing to do other than a mindless "ball sport". the city council seems to continually say "i keep ignoring my kids, but they keep acting up. i guess i'll just ignore them some more and eventually they will be ok." yes the parents are to blame as well, but you can't tell your "non-jock" kids to just sit on the couch until they turn 18.

Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 1:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

strange how all this is going on 3 years after my arcade closed across the street.
maybe someone should have listened when I told them what was going on?
I just bet if you ask your kids, they can tell you exactly who is behind it.
most likely the same ones that were ruining everything they could for others back when I was operating my business.
it's not hard to find them, they live right across the street.

Jamie Cooper

Posted by daidres (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, back in the mid 90's they did have a community center in Fergus Falls, right down town Lincoln. But, it doesn't matter if they have a place to go, they will always and forever be stereotyped as Punks. I used to hang out down there, and when I was there, no one got into trouble, but you always have that rotten pea out of a group of kids to ruin it for everyone. Area business' complained about vandalism, and about loitering. Next thing we knew, they closed the door on the only thing we had to do that didn't cost money. Thus, creating kids to go out on the streets and find something to do themselves that didn't cost money. And if that meant hanging out in the parking garage, they were covered from the weather. Give the kids something to do in this town, that doesn't cost money, and that won't stereotype them because they are there. The future of Fergus Falls lies in the youth, the "Good" ones and yes even the punks, so unless you want Fergus run by Punks, Give them a hand, guide them to what is right. All children will follow, if they have the right leaders, that don't "STEREOTYPE" them. Give the Youth a chance to turn around, not every one of them kids are going to stay trouble makers. Some will turn into our city council members, department store owners, mayor, Doctors, Teachers. We all come from different backgrounds, we don't need to create a segregated community.

Posted by daidres (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh, here's another idea, I know it won't work, but still makes sense. Instead of spending our tax dollars on a new and improved jail, spend it on the kids, a community center, a water park( with free passes for those who can't afford a pass) bring back the old go cart place, drive up theatre, a zoo, something, anything for them to do. Then the city won't have to expand the jail because instead of getting into trouble on their free time, the kids have something to do and somewhere to go, and they won't end up in jail when they become adults!

Posted by 2cents (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I never referred to these Juveniles as punks, that was not my intention. I just wanted to comment on the article as there have been alot of issues going on down there this summer. To comment on Daidres statement `and if that meant hanging out in the parking garage, they were covered from the weather`. Kids, good or bad, should NOT be hanging out down there. That parking garage is a fully operational parking area that is filled with paid parking spots from businesses in the surrounding areas. Vehicles go in and out of there Monday through Friday from 6am until 5pm or later. IF they need shelter from the weather, go home or to a friends house and hang out in the yard. Everyone will love to see Fergus establish a place catering to our city's youth and young adults. In the meantime, until we are all blessed to get that wish come true, these kids need to attempt to better themselves with a part time job or maybe even school to get their GED and then have some spending cash in their pocket for a movie or bowling or a football game with friends. They want nice clothes or a car or money for whatever....its called responsibility and growing up. Life isn't all fun and games and free stuff that others have to pay for the hard way. It might sound harsh, but the toddler stage of their life is over...now its time to grow up and make something of themselves.

Posted by daidres (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Have you ever thought that the reason kids hang out in these places is because they don't have a place to go? They don't feel safe going to other people's places? I never said in my statement, " Hey kids, go hang out in the parking lots." I said,"if that meant hanging out in the parking lots, they were covered from the weather." It would be too hard for the public to see past where the kids hang out and consider the circumstances. Where in Fergus can kids go hang out? If you can come up with some place in Fergus off the top of your head, that doesn't cost money, that won't cause Stereotyping, and isn't a school function, then the kids must be stubborn, that's their choice. I grew up in Fergus, and when we did have somewhere to hang out, it was taken away. If you aren't blessed with a money tree growing in your backyard, tough luck, fend for yourself. Fergus created the youth today by not supporting them, and not giving them anything to do. As for your statement saying " they'd rather go smelling around for trouble" that was pretty cruel, not every kid has their nose up in the air like some people. Trouble seems to find them. Yes, the ones causing trouble, deal with the consequences. But wouldn't you rather help the youth than be one on the side lines commenting on them like you were in all 3 of your comments. Sounds like your a penny short there 2cents. And that's my opinion, and why I don't live in Fergus, and why my kids don't go to school there. Get caught hanging out in the wrong place, get stereotyped. And because I defended the less fortunate Fergus Fall-ans, I bet I'll be stereotyped, but at least the youth will respect what I have to say about them because I am not bashing on them. After all, our future is in their hands!

Posted by 2cents (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There's the parks, library, Pebble beach, the mall (for weather). No one is stereo tpying anybody...Daidres. Calm down. Truth was spoken in the Daily Journals article posted as well as my first comment about what was specificallly going on at the parking garage. What does that mean that I am a penny short, for stating a fact as I did. I am all for the kids and youth. I am there for my kids and raise them to know the difference between right and wrong. You are intitled to your opinion and so am I. Help those who want to help themselves. And if they don't want to help themselves, then look at the parents for that and if they are not around...seak your local church...there are lots of them in town and the last time I looked they are FREE and won't turn anyone away. So, should we ALL be there to provide free stuff for teens to do in their spare time? That is not the case here. There's work and then there's play. All free play that the town and Fergus citizens are supposed to provide to any kid will not get them anywhere. Like I said we are not talking about toddlers but our future adult citizens, so why not teach them to enjoy their teen years AND at the same time learn morals and values besides where to go for all the free stuff. Plus this is totally another subject to discuss with the city regarding free places to go with free stuff to do for the kids. Let's stay on the subject at hand....the DJ article posted above!

Posted by TheVikingman (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 1:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Man I wish I was younger.

Just a couple short decades ago I remember saying to my mother numerous times, "I'm bored, there is nothing to do" (you think Fergus is bad for entertainment options?, I lived in Henning talk about limited)

Her reply was always the same, varied slightly based on season, "Well you can read, go outside and play, mow the lawn, do the dishes...

I read about this type of thing and it bothers me a great deal. As a parent I shudder at the thought of me telling somebody else that it must be the cities/states/nations fault that my child is acting up because they aren't providing someplace for these kids to go.

That being said I understand that boredom is a part of growing up. Just as I did my daughter will get bored and will be looking for something to do. I have hope that when that time comes there will be more options in Fergus for kids to spend their time in a safe and sane enviroment. HOWEVER, if that hasn't happened in Fergus by then I have to hope that I have guided my child into making the CORRECT choices. I have no doubt she is going to make mistakes, I did, heck we ALL did, but when they happen I can can say with certainty that the words out of my mouth will NOT be to put blame on others but to put that blame where it belongs. On my daughter.

These children may have rough home lives etc. But that does not give a free pass to bad behaviour. Given the fact that these individuals RAN when the cops came makes it very clear the they KNOW their behaviour is wrong.

This comes down to people making the right choice in a given situation, NOT to Fergus Falls having more places for kids to go.

Here is some closing perspective. If this same situation had occured between people just a couple years older say 19-20 you would not be blaming the city for its lack of options for adults to choose from. This would be full of comments calling such people idiots, drunken fools etc.

How much REALLY changes in 2 or 3 years when the person involved already knows right from wrong.

That is it...blast away!

Posted by 2cents (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 1:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks Viking Man for your 2 cents!!! That was a great truth spoken.

Posted by daidres (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't believe in kids running free and causing problems. I don't support such actions by kids. But how come you get so defensive when someone who grew up in Fergus, and moved out of Fergus gives their opinion on how they see what's going on? It isn't right for any kid or adult to break the law, I am not blaming the city for it, just wishing they could do something to help the kids out. Besides, not everyone is religoius, not everyone likes to read, no one likes to swim at Pebble Beach anymore, and last, what is there to do at the mall????? They closed the Pirates Den. What, walk around, causing gossip!?
Kids need support. That's all I have to say anymore about this whole article. If kids get in trouble, show them the way, if they wish not to straighten their lives out, at least you can say you tried. Alot of your comments I do agree on there 2cents. But you have to admit what you said in a few of your comments were wrong, and very judgemental. If these were your kids, and maybe they are, you'd want to help them out.

Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

it does take a village!, when I was a teen my friends and I were kicked out of the westridge mall, for being teens.
literally, a "Mr. Dunbar" said " the sooner we get rid of all you **** kids the better".
We had just arrived and were kicked out within minutes of entering the mall.

as a young adult I took my son to the mall and spoke with merchants complaining that the mall was dying and explained to them why my friends and I so rarely came.

even then the merchants readily admitted that they don't want kids there and felt kids had no business in the mall.

so really the mall is no option.
most of youth are great kids, there are not enough jobs to employ half of them, so thats not the solution either.
some of these "kids" you are complaining about have been employeed steadily since age 10 anyway.
selling dope with their parents.
community centers and youth centers are needed and would be great, but neither are the solution.
drug dealing parents are not going to step up and fix the problem.
our police need to prosecute known dealers, even if their father was a police officer.
we need to stop turning a blind eye to drug dealers, just because they profess to be Christians.
most importantly, we need to stop thinking these incidents are just kids being kids.
some are involved with adult criminal organizations, and have been for at least 3 years.
these are not new developments, and they will continue to get worse until those responsible are no longer afforded special treatment.

Jamie Cooper

Posted by tsy86h (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 3:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So pretty much if the city puts in an arcade the kids will be okay?
Fish, go for a walk, swim in a lake, ride bike, go sledding, ice skate, build a snow fort, roller blade, read, play video games, rent a movie, play baseball, tennis, basketball, football, play board games, have a water fight, build your own go-cart, go bowling, paint, write, be creative there is a lot to do. We are living in a society where we feel we need to be entertained all the the time. I think some of this is because of TV and video games and lack of hard labor. This wasn't an issue as much when my parent's were growing up as there was always work to be done, but now as times change we don't have has much hard labor and have more free time. It seems if no one is providing entertainment for us that life is just not fun. I am not against having a teen center, but if we get one what will they do there? They will get bored with that too. Fargo has a good mall, roller rink, go carts, movies, etc. You still seen the teens causing problems, messing with drugs, and just getting into stupid trouble. As far as kids hanging in parking lots and cruising around town I think it is just a typical thing for teens to do. When they leave a mess and start fighting is when it is trouble, but if they are hanging out in a parking lot playing hackie sack, who cares. It does need to be the parents who know where their kids are and what they are doing. Parent's may also have to throw out a few suggestions here and there for their kids and if the kids are still complaining they can suggest that they grab a rag and start scrubbing walls, or rake the yard.

Posted by Lala (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Like I have said in my previous comment, the parents really need to step up and be involved in where their kids are and what they are doing.
Sure, you can't keep an eye on them all the time, but I think it starts with the parents. I used to be 'one of those kids' when I was a teenager, but I quickly snapped out of it and grew up when my parents actually started being more involved and were keeping better tabs on me.
Bottom line..... all the kids want is a little respect and some guidance.

Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 3:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

these problems will continue whether there is an arcade or not!
remember I owned one with video surveillance, and I wasn't able to make a dent in these problems.
like I said some of these kids are involved in organized crime with their parents.
so the parents are not going to fix the problem.
certainly talking with your kids and being involved is the best strategy to keep yours out of situations like this, but what needs to happen is arrests, convictions and economic growth!

Jamie Cooper

Posted by 2cents (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 3:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Daidres are you going to reply to tsy86h's comments? They were only voicing their opinion just like I was. It is not that our comments were wrong....who are you to determine that? It is our opinion. And no one is being judgemental. It would be the ultimate dream if our town can have something to show for and provide such as a youth center. Would they go is another story. Why is it the city's responsibility to help the kids out in the first place? First comes pregnancy, labor, delivery and then 'parents'. When did the city become a father? They have their own problems bringing opportunity and growth into our town for people who want to work. As far as a church for a suggestion, you said earlier "All children will follow, if they have the right leaders, that don't "STEREOTYPE" them"...You do not have to be religious to go to a church for some guidance. Speaking for myself, I have no money trees growing in my neck of the woods, nor is my nose high up in the air. Between me and my husband we work 4 jobs, send our kids to school and make it a point to know where they are at all times. We earn an honest living, believe there is a future in our kids, make sure they stay in school and teach them right from wrong. I don't look to the city for a teen-sitter. I am blessed and lucky for what I do have. That's my UN-judgemental opinion. A hell of alot more than 2 cents worth. If the kids want to hang in the parking garage or in the middle of the street, good for them, as long as they are not breaking the law and causing trouble. Let them have at it.

Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

most of the kids who frequented my arcade respected it and held jobs. a community based youth center could work.
it was a small group who were causing problems then and it's still the same small group causing problems now.
it's even the same 2 block radius.
I'm not stereotyping anyone, these are well known individuals with police records.
for some reason they just keep getting slaps on the wrists.
ask your own children, they all know who is doing what.

it may not be our cities responsibility to provide a youth center, but it would make this community more appealing, show we care, and provide a pool of valuable information regarding the youth community.
I learned so much by just listening to our cities youth when I had my arcade open.
many adults refuse to believe the situations exist, that our children are facing everyday.

Jamie Cooper

Posted by 2cents (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You are very knowledgable, Jamie. I do believe situations exist for these kids. You know alot about the kids in town and what their backgrounds are. I hope this helps your campaign. I remember your arcade. Alot of kids went there. Unfortunately alot of kids were hesitate to go there because of the kids that were alraedy in there. Our youth shouldn't fear one another. That's sad. Wasn`t there an issue there, that made the Daily Journal, about a gun being kept behind the counter there? Right before your arcade closed I believe.....

Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 5:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yes there was and here is video of the incident.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWGMDb3Jk...

one of the problems was that many of the kids thought to frequent my arcade were not customers.
they lurked out front of their residence and in a doorway about 5 feet from the entrance to my business.
I was blamed for much of that crowd's actions.
most likely some of the same ones spray painting and committing violent acts now.
I caught these same kids carving into buildings, tearing bark off tree's, dragging around street signs, picking fights with handicapped adults, holding organized fights in the alley next to their residence.
there were many confidential sources who told me they obtained drugs from that crowd, were provided alcohol and a place to use these substances.
various adults and parents were directly involved with these activities!
authorities were made aware of these conditions by myself as well as from numerous local children and young adults.
I provided out law enforcement with as much information and video surveillance as they would accept.
I was interviewed by Brandon Stahl regarding these events, that story was never printed.
shortly after Brandon Stahl attempted to verify my claims with local police, the events of the above video took place, which out the nails into the coffin for my arcade.

Jamie Cooper

Posted by oh_its_you (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sheesh...I was hanging out there 13 years ago or so and was a teenager, lets not pretend that this is something new. Also, I remember when I was in Middle School (pre Fergus Falls) when there were a couple of guys that had something to fight about, probably a girl or maybe just some smack talking, we all went to a spot about a block from our Middle School. They duked it out and we all cheered on, I would guess there were about 30 of us standing there (we even had an amazing teen center that was packed all weekend ever weekend by all sorts of kids). What I am trying to say is this, kids have been fighting since who knows when. Not that it is something that should be condoned, but lets take it for what it is...it is not the Apocolypse. And yeah, the community would definitely benefit from a youth center, but looking at what happened to Community Youth Partners, there isn't a great interest in our community to put time or money into the everyday kids. The good news is, most of the time the shenanigans that kids get into usually do not indicate what kind of adults that they become. Of course some do not, but most grow out of it.

Posted by moose1 (anonymous) on August 30, 2008 at 7:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have seen that some people have mentioned that kids should go to Pebble, ride bike or things of that nature, but I know of many youth that when they are out skateboarding, they are harassed by people and also the police. I know that sometimes they are doing something wrong,or may be in the wrong place, but let try to help them find a place instead of hindering them.

As far as having them get jobs, Fergus does not have the job opportunities for them. Fergus Falls needs to reevaluate the city and the opportunities that it has. Take a look at Alexandria a town smaller in population, but it has a much better retail, so it has a more job opportunities.

Posted by daidres (anonymous) on September 2, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sure 2cents, I'll comment, only because you asked.
There may be alot of things for kids to do as far as what tys86 said. I am not going to argue with anything he/she had to say. The only reason I ever commented on your comments, is because you came off as being one of them from Fergus who likes to judge and after being called out on it, you try to explain yourself. I was only trying to give the kids in fergus the benefit of a doubt, but after argueing, or should I say trying to state my opinion and being bashed on here by you, I see why some of these kids don't have a chance in hell in Fergus. Move out and move on. Like I said, that's why I did. And Jamie Cooper, you are probably the only one running for city council that is behind the youth when it comes to this topic of places to hang out,and know first hand what the kids need because you have been there and actually tried to help them out. Maybe if you get elected, with your voice speaking for the teens in Fergus, they'll have a chance. With that said, I am a few days late, but that's because I took my kids on vacation this passed weekend, and had better things to do than argue! I'll do that with the hubby instead!! ;)

Posted by alhr6262 (anonymous) on September 2, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i agree with everything that everyone is saying but...i know who all these kids are that are doing all this stuff. The kids that are doing this think they are cool and better than anyone else, and dont care about anyones property. I remember hanging out with people like them and all they are into is drugs and drinking. They dont listen to there parents or anyone else because they dont think they need to or should have to. They are all disrespectful. There has been so many arcades open in this town and it still dont do anything.. these kids are still going to cause they same trouble. Opening up any place for them is not going to do any good. cause all they are going to think is that they are to "cool" to hang out there.Even if and when the cops find them and if they get sent away to a boot camp or somewhere else they are going to come back and be the same way. Kids like them are never going to change or grow up. I was the same way as these kids are and now i look back and think i was soo stupid for being that way. And yes parents do have a lot to do with it. I know a lot of kids whose parents are drug dealers or kick there kids out of the house at the age of 15 because they cant handle them. I just hope one day these kids will grow up instead of living there whole lives in jail or a prison.