Kim Pearcy, Alderman for Ward I in Warsaw, issued a statement about Drake Harbor vandalism to the Benton County Enterprise (BCE) on Friday, June 5 as follows.
“We have experienced multiple vandalism incidents involving groups of teenagers, along with several reports of inappropriate language and behavior at our playgrounds. We want everyone to be able to enjoy the amenities that Warsaw has to offer, and we ask all residents to be respectful in both their language and their actions.
There are ordinances in place, including curfew regulations for individuals under the age of 18, and parents can be held responsible for the actions of their children. Along with referrals to the juvenile officer. We encourage parents and guardians to have conversations with their teenagers about appropriate language, proper use of playground equipment, and respect for public property. By working together as a community, we can help ensure that these amenities remain safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone without the need for more extensive enforcement measures.”
On June 8, discussions with Mayor Eric Masoner and Community Development Director Adam Howe, Juvenile Officer for Benton County Jesse Wood and Warsaw Chief of Police Jason Wenberg, revealed some specifics about the recent vandalism on Drake harbor. Reports online by www.bing.com and KY3 News also provided information for this article.
Confirmed vandalism was reported in April of this year at www.bing.com where it was stated that vandalism targeted the new restrooms at Drake Harbor in Warsaw. It included derogatory or offensive wording on toilet stalls and physical damage such as paper towels shoved into sinks. KY3 reported earlier vandalism last December that was thought to be part of the “devious lick” Tik-Tok trend, which encourages kids to record themselves stealing or vandalizing property and posting it online.
Mayor Masoner and Adam Howe said that the City of Warsaw had installed cameras around April 7 when vandalism of the Harbor bathrooms was reported. They also said that several recent incidents of spray paint on the playground and graffiti on the bridge were reported on May 28.
“Also, on May 28, I saw that a low-to-the-ground tricycle had driven into a sidewalk with fresh, wet cement near the Harbor and made a ‘doughnut’,” said Mayor Masoner. “Then, I saw a young teenage boy taking off on the sidewalk and I called Chief Wenberg who caught the boy and talked to him.”
The two City officials also revealed that earlier it had been reported that a group of kids were loitering on the playground, using vulgar language and one mom in the vicinity felt threatened. They said that a video had been put online (possibly by youth) and later taken down.
Chief Wenberg said that as far back as February 4, soap was found on the floor of public bathrooms, paper towels were misused and someone lit a fire on a porta-potty at the playground.
Juvenile Officer Wood said that when juveniles are referred to his office, they are addressed and the cost of damage repair may have to be paid by the individual responsible. He said that he didn’t think vandalism was related to something out of Tik-Tok.
According to www.bing.com, If a juvenile is referred to the Benton Juvenile Office and accused of vandalism, the process and possible results depend on the severity of the offense, the juvenile’s age, prior record and the discretion of the judge. Vandalism is often a misdemeanor, so diversion (e.g., counseling, community service, restitution) is common if the offense is minor and the juvenile cooperates.
Mayor Masoner and Adam Howe emphasized that the City Council wants awareness of vandalism and for those responsible to know that the city is on them and watching them. The city is putting up more cameras; it is trying different options to relieve the problem and wants any who witnesses vandalism or has information related to it to contact the City of Warsaw Police Department at 660-438-5522. The mayor said that public response has been overwhelming, letting the city know things when they do.
