Pubdate: Wed, 01 Sep 2004
Source: Meridian Booster (CN AB)
Copyright: 2004, The Lloydminster Meridian Booster
Contact:  http://www.meridianbooster.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1590

GROWING PAINS ARE REALLY STARTING TO HURT

This past week served as a graphic and sobering reminder that the Border 
City is quickly beginning to gain some big city problems.

Lloydminster Meridian Booster -- This past week served as a graphic and 
sobering reminder that the Border City is quickly beginning to gain some 
big city problems.

In a matter of just a few days a young girl visiting our city was sexually 
assaulted while out walking her dog in the city's north end, and over this 
past weekend police raided a home where they found drugs, cash, and most 
alarming of all a stash of weapons including a large calibre handgun.

These are the kind of crimes that let us all know what has been inevitable 
for a long time -- the city is beginning to experience the dark side of growth.

Most of us -- some more than others -- are reaping the benefits of a 
growing and wealthy community, but there is always a price to pay.

For the most part we have been lucky as a community. Violent crimes -- at 
least the more serious ones -- haven't been a big issue in Lloydminster, 
and random attacks on children were all but unheard of. Until recently that is.

It is difficult for parents to hear that a child has been sexually 
assaulted, it is difficult to even bear the thought. And no neighbourhood 
wants to have a drug house setting up shop in the same block as 
hard-working families.

But that is the new reality. That is life in a city. But it doesn't have to be.

We are still only beginning to make our transition into a larger city, and 
actions we take now could make an impact down the road.

Watch your children, watch your neighbourhood -- tell the police if there 
is a suspected drug house in your neighbourhood. Don't take our small-town 
feel for granted. We are more than 22,000 strong, and the bad guys don't 
stand a chance if we all really do our part to let them know they don't 
belong, and aren't welcome.
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D