I totally agree it is up to us, BUT REALITY is there are ALWAYS going to be parents that don't give a crap! How do we reach the kids that are stuck with those parents?? They need to know they have somewhere to go, somewhere to hang out. Someone that isn't going to judge them and put them in the catagory of "street kid". Someone who looks at them as being just as valuable as kids as perfect as Mikki's kids! Or we can just sit back and judge and say their parents should of done something because it isn't my job!?!

IMO alot of the problems, now I'm not saying all, are here because parents don't care about their kids. They are not involved with them and let them run the streets. Maybe they themselves are into drugs and alcohol so they are not good role models for their own kids. There are already programs on top of programs out there and they don't seem to do a whole lot of good. I don't know what the answer is, but I'm not willing to throw more of my tax dollars at something else that was already tried and failed. Parents: get in touch with your kids, become a family and maybe they won't want to run the streets. Make your home welcoming to your kids friends and help them make right choices from the beginning and this would be a big step in remedying this problem.

So, I just got done reading the new story about heroin in this town, and it's funny how all the comments on this story don't want to do anything to PREVENT things like that, BUT the people commenting on there want to build a center to help addicts recover and become "productive members of this community"!? HELLO!!!!!! So wouldn't it make more sense to try to help earlier? Mikki, I will pray that nothing ever happens to your kids! I will pray that you are as perfect as you seem to think you are! You remind me of some of those old Lear and GM workers that thought they were invincible too!!?? The bottom line is, there are huge problems ahead in this town! And it is hitting WAY more then the forth-ward! The problems are hitting ALL kids!!

You sure are cute! LOL

First off, my kids wouldn't put themselves in a position to be "beat up" by any of your so-called "street kids".

But there are people out there that whined and cried to not put money into the hockey rink, etc. Yet you want a teen center? Give me a break.
It's what the community wants, not just one person, no matter how much you cry about it.

After they give her the money they can go to her house once a week and wash her car.

Mikki, your key words were, "I have MY children that I chose to bring into this world". Well that's the point, THIS WORLD! THIS WORLD is full of all kinds of people from all walks of life, and all kinds of different choices, some bad and some good. You and YOUR kids live in this world, and WE ALL are responsible if we want it to be the type of world we feel safe to let our children go out in! So, what you are saying is, if I was driving down the street and I saw some of "these kids" (who apparently don't deserve your time) beating up one of "your kids" (one of the lucky ones) I should keep driving? I mean because I have my own kids I am responsible for! Screw the rest because their parents made bad choices!? As far as your little comment about my punctuation.....really that was a little childish for someone so perfect as yourself now wasn't it? LMFAO!!!

As far as trying a center again, why not? I am not saying that we should put the center there or even let that lady run it. I am sure not saying let Briarmoon have any part in it. BUT, as much time as everyone has to sit on here and argue back and forth about all of these issues, why not be more positive and productive and let's talk about what could work?

schnckstac1...first off, you may want to space your punctuation out a bit more!!!???!!!

LMAO

Anyway, if you want to go save all the kids, be my guest. I have MY children that I chose to bring into this world, that I am financially and emotionally responsible for. That is where I draw the line. My taxes already pay for a great deal of other peoples' children, as well as their poor choices.

Looks like she and B'moon are attempting a coordinated assault on the city coffers.

The person is similar to a "special guest" on the B'moon show. Among her guests are assorted criminals, a disbarred lawyer, and a registered pedophile. Special, indeed.

I can't believe what narrow minded people live in this town, really!!?? So, we say screw the teenagers that don't have parents who give a crap??? If we give the kids a community center, they'll just screw it up anyway??!! So, the answer is to ignore it, let the kids turn into adult criminals and fill up our jails and prisons, then have kids who do the same thing?????? It's funny how everybody wants to compain about these things but whenever someone comes up with a PREVENTION idea it's not worth the effort??? I mean really how much sense does that make?? I suppose you all sit in church and call yourselves Christians too????

mikki- maybe now our president is not pure white all of us white people can scream racism and get away with it, heck soon it has to be equal for all

If you know who she is...you know what she does

I don't see why we have to provide somewhere for teens to go other than their own homes. I agree with jiveturkey. We as parents need to be role models and teachers and also provide a home where they don't feel they have to run all over janesville at all hours. I have always made it clear that my kids could bring their friends home. We developed relationships with them as well as their friends parents. We knew where they were and kept in touch with one another. I have a 17 year old right now who has his friends over all the time and also goes to their houses as well.Keep in touch with your kids, develop relationships with them and make them feel like they are welcome in their own home. You will not regret it!! Don't send them into the streets to whatever trouble is out there waiting for them to get into.

Thank you, MY2CENTS.
It's funny that when something goes wrong, the first thing that the person does it looks to see WHO ELSE to blame. I'm a woman? gay? A minority? Let's see if using that will work. Heck, if I claim discrimination, SOMEONE will run scared...folks are afraid of a lawsuit, ya know.

Yea lets fund a teen center with tax payers money and watch it turn into a place for all the so called gangsters to hang out at. I am so sick of people saying the police and white people in genral racial profile. African americans do the same thing to white people also. There are just as many racist black people as there are white people. I myself am not a racist person but I do know the kind of kids that hang out in that area and adults. The ones in the fourth ward that causes problems, destroy hard working peoples property and sell drugs are the ones that give your neighborhood a bad name. Not me. Janesville had a teen club if you remember, it was called Westley's on the east side and all the kids did was smoke cigs, pot,and drink in the parking lot and fight. So whats the point of wasting money. Maybe you as a parent should teach your kids the differencs between right and wrong and then clean up your neighborhood and then maybe I as a tax payer would be willing to support a teen center. And I know there is alot of whites also causing trouble down there also but its people like you and all the other frustrated people in the fourth ward to come together and fix the problem. So until you quit pointing your finger at everyone else stand in front of the mirror and ask yourself what are you doing wrong nothing is going to change.

FreedomSpeaks- After looking at Ms. Partee's records on CCAP, I would have to believe the police and newspaper are telling the truth. And as far as "street kids", it is the parents responsability to keep their own kids of the streets and out of trouble, not the taxpayers to fund a teen center for them to gather at.

Street kids? Thats funny.
You know MY kids don't have money. I didn't have money when I was a kid.
I still didn't run around and do things I wasn't supposed to do, and my parents didn't whine to the city to make them pay for a place for me to go.
Especially since our taxes already pay for parks and libraries.

hannah, It seems to me that you believe everything you read. The paper & the police always tell the truth. You either watch to much tv or live in a dream world. They both sometimes miss lead you with the truth. Thats their job. One to sell papers & one to arrest you. As for teen center, Janesville needs one, who runs it thats up to the city council. They have needed one for a long time.

to kita.....first of all she does not live in the 4th ward, second of all I AM BLACK so does that mean I am racist to other blacks?

Well from what i read it sounded like she did live there. And I am also black. The color of your skin doesn't have a damn thing to do with how you think. You can be every color of the rainbow and still be racist. The comment you made was straight up foul and rude period. Are you mad cause you got caught out there? LMAO.

Well I am a mother of three children and I do agree it is my responsibility to get them involved in things. BUT I was also a child who came from a very dysfunctional home and know personally what it is like to have parents who don't care. My son and daughter have been involved in MANY sports and other activities. I live on the East side and we are FAR from rich over here!! My son has 20 kids in his class and there are more then just a few who have parents who DO NOT get them involved in things! So, since that falls on "their" responsibility, do we as a COMMUNITY just ignore that?? Well I can say from my experience that's what happens. My father was absent and my mother was a pot-head who did nothing but play games with our heads. When I started rebelling against her rages I started getting in trouble. When I tried to explain what was going on to the school, counselors, and police somehow she was able to pull it together and convince them I was the problem. She would hit me and when I hit her back I got hauled off to the detention center. I know now as an adult it was partly because I was so angry and the anger didn't help "them" to believe me. I also know now as an adult that there are WAY TOO MANY judgemental people in this town. Yes, we have the "Y" and boys and girls club, but do you really think the parents who don't care are going to sign their kids up???? Do you think the kids are all going to walk in on their own?? Maybe the kids should find a job in a town that has NONE!!?? I am a mother now who is determined to give my children nothing but everything they deserve. I can say I still hold strong resentments against the "juvenille authorities" and community for not stepping in and helping prevent the things that happened. WE as a community need to stop talking about what needs to be done or shouldn't be done, and DO something!!! This town is only going to get worse! There are tons of kids/teenagers who need us!! Even if that woman did what she was accused of, I praise her for taking a stand and saying SOMETHING needs to be done!! How about some of you OVER OPINIONATED IGNORANT people stand up next to her and say , "Hey what you are trying to do is admirable, and let's try and work on this together and maybe we can come up with something for the kids of the community!" I mean hey as long as YOU and YOUR kids are fine, everything else will fall into place!!! LOL!!!

I agree with Ladulce, there are plenty of things for children to get involved in. As a parent you are the one that is responsible for that. If she thinks that her kids need something to do then get off of her butt and go find something for them to do, instead of complaining that she is being racially profiled.

to kita.....first of all she does not live in the 4th ward, second of all I AM BLACK so does that mean I am racist to other blacks?

Miss Tonya Partee is talking about street kids not your home goodie youth. Most you people that write on this page have no idea about street kids. Sure New Life tries to do something about 4th ward but they bus them out. It would be a great idea for a teen center in the 4th ward area. Most of these kids don't have money. As for gangs, the paper just said there was no gang activity in the wilson school area. That's in the 4th ward area for you people that don't know where we are talking about. As for church youth groups if their youth pastor thinks any of their kids are involved in something they don't approve of they get kicked out of the youth group. I hope the Janesville police will consider the idea or the city council. Heck they want to waste money on a tunnel for the rich east side. How about helping people that need it instead?

"There is plenty of things to do if you only look around you. Teens can also get a part time job, or volunteer work, take extra classes...and more. The point is they need to WANT to do things other than just hang and cause trouble.'

Very eloquantly stated.

Parents are failing to get their children interested in anything as young children and are allowing them to sit in front of the TV. As such, once they become teens, they don't know what to do. ANd, I am also not an old "fogey". I am a mother of 4 children that are actively involved in sports, academics, and, volunteering. The issue is: in order for kids to be involved with these things, lazy parents have to get off their butts and take them places and do stuff. And, it isn't about money, either. There are lots of "free" things to get kids involved. Community centers don't work because the "targeted" kids won't want to be there.

mary 1498 suppose her rental assistance is ready to expire and she needs grant money instead of going to work a real job? or her live in men or man lost his job?

WOW how racist of you to say that? So because she lives in the fourth ward she is automatically on rental assistance and other government programs. That is down right rude and ignorant of you to say something like that. And you wonder why minorities don't feel comfortable in this town.

I totally and 100% agree with Ms. Partee! As being a younger member of our society i think a teen center is a wonderful idea. If they would of had something like that when i was in my teens, i would of taken full advantage of it. Yes we have the "y" and the boys & girls club but that is geared for young kids. What about the kids in high school. what do they do with their time? cruise the strip. You want to talk about drugs and all that, just go out to milton ave. on a friday or saturday night and there you go. I think this is a wonderful idea and i hope that someone in a higher position then the janesville police department will take notice to what this kind hearted individual is trying to do. KEEP AT IT MS. PARTEE! i support this idea full heartedly!

I keep my plastic baggies in the kitchen.

mentor397- hopefully you were joking- yet on these forums there are always a couple quacks..

"If Doyle wasn't proposing dropping the state's Film Tax Credits, we might be able to convince ABC to do a "made for TV" movie and get some Hollywood talent to start up a teen center with that stimulus money. Actors gotta work too, ya know."

Ya...that's what the "nanny" said...and you see what happened in Evansville....

I think we're all forgetting how effective teen centers have been on TV shows, from "CHiPs" to "Walker - Texas Ranger". I don't ever recall a teen center ever failing to get a kid off drugs or drop their gang affiliation, and put smiles on the faces of all the regular cast members and guest stars, not once!.
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If Doyle wasn't proposing dropping the state's Film Tax Credits, we might be able to convince ABC to do a "made for TV" movie and get some Hollywood talent to start up a teen center with that stimulus money. Actors gotta work too, ya know.

mentor397...when you actually use a sandwich bag for a sandwich...do you cut the corner off to pour it out?

Didn't think so.

Sandwich bags may be used to sandwiches, oddly enough. Cash might be used for a variety of things. These things don't make evidence of drug dealing.

what nothing for teens to do in this town???? you got to be kidding right???? How about the boys & girls club, 4H, boy/girl scouts, sports, bike riding, walking, fishing, bowling, movies, church groups, school clubs (like yearbook, forensics, student council and the list goes on).
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There is plenty of things to do if you only look around you. Teens can also get a part time job, or volunteer work, take extra classes...and more. The point is they need to WANT to do things other than just hang and cause trouble.
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I just don't understand why we would need to invest a 1/2 a million dollars into a teen center. There are so many other things this city NEEDS. Let's look at them before the wants of a few.
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I must say I am proud Janesville that after reading the posts, the majority of you think that Ms. Partee is a flaming idiot. Have you ever noticed that ones who claim they are such "victim" are usually the guiltiest ones?

I have had some experience with a community center which provided a teen program, elementary program, summer program, and supported neighborhood revitalization efforts. Community centers are not all money pits and they do have a positive affect on a community and those who use the center.
The problem is that without community and teen buy in, it doesn't work. Years cooperating with law enforcement, city staff, school districts, and businesses is required to create and have the right person to run and fund the center. Asset building and investigating how to improve the community would fit into this community center idea. At this point in our economy, a museum, bike tunnel, community center and other unneeded developments do not benefit the taxpayers or the community. I can see upgrades with the ice arena being done since it is a possible revenue builder. The Janesville School District also did a disservice by not agreeing to let the semi-pro football team use the facility, which also could have boosted revenues. For all the whining of how the city spends money, I see little push to invest in policy which actually would provide an opportunity for the city to reduce taxes instead of investing in programs which lose money year after year.
A community center with the current publicized players will not build support but cause controversy. Controversy does not raise money.

It's unfortunate that this woman and her family were unfairly targeted. Janesville is hardly a diverse community, and a lot of it's residents are far from being color-blind.

"told the city council last week the police don't deserve the grant after using it to "harass" minorities and residents of the Fourth Ward and Look West neighborhoods"

Sh***! They aint did nutin!

as kids, we didn't need teen centers or any other kind of center. in the fall and winter we got groups together and had basketball games and football games. in the warmer months it was baseball. we played outside all year long without getting into trouble. not now a days. its computer games, music, and mind numbing stuff that gets old and does little in the way of exercise. again, a teen center would accomplish so little for so few. but, hey, the city feels like it is doing a good job for some kids with our money and an empty building that would probably cost a fortune to bring up to code. maybe establishing a voucher program for ymca membedrships might be a better use of money. everything is already in place there and the exercise would do all who participated a great deal of good. but there is no bricks and mortar involved and that is what janesville wants. build and spend. then when the infrastructure goes, oh well, you know the story.

In my opinion, if you're looking to be offended by something, you'll always find a way to be so, whether it be because of race, sexual harassment, whatever.
Some people are just always "looking out" to be offended by something.
As far as teenagers needing something to do? What about libraries? Renting movies? There are all sorts of things out there. Fishing, perhaps? Do parents not do things with their children anymore?
Why is it society's responsibility to keep the children of the town "amused"?
Oh, and I am no "old biddie" either. My kids are in sports, adore the library, like to hike and fish and have friends they play with.

I do have to agree that there is some racial profiling going on in Jville, as is across the State.

On the other hand, I have always believed it to be the PARENTS job to properly raise their children to do the right thing. Having grown up in towns ranging from 500 to 6500 people, there are LOTS of things to do as long as children are taught to live through positive creativity. I lived in a two-parent, one-income family and we made due in the 80s and 90s on $40,000 a year and one car.

kraut- First of all, no "biddie" here.. My son who is now 22 had alot of fun as a teenager. He involved himself in sports, hunting, etc.. .My daughter who will be 11 attends church, is an alter girl, is involved in astology, and has too much to do.. As a single parent I have helped and encouraged them to do things that not only they enjoy- but what also will help them zero in on what might make them productive and happier in life. Just why is it that you think the "adults of tomorrow" can`t volunteer etc..? It`s not far fetched.. Teens do not always need to be just "hanging out".. Infact Janesville does offer alot for kids/teens. But it is still a parents obligation to make sure they are doing constructive things. IMO.

The people of these neighborhoods do not need a place to hang out. These kids need their parents to act as teachers, disciplinarians, and role models. Get a job, pay your bills, educate your kids, and spend time with your kids so that the cycle can be broken. Have some respect for yourself before demanding respect. Then, and only then, will the rest of the community back these areas of neglect.

I AGREE THAT THEY SHOULD GOTO SCHOOL AND GET JOBS BUT AT THE SAME TIME I DON'T THINK DRIVEN MILTON AVE IS THE BEST PLACE OR WAY FOR OUR KIDS TO HANG OUT EITHER LOTS OF GOOD POINTS ALL THE WAY AROUND IN THE END I DON'T HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS OR KNOW WHAT IS BEST I AM JUST SAYING I THINK THERE SHOULD BE MORE EVENTS HELD FOR KIDS TO KEEEP THEM OUT OF TROUBLE AND PARENTS CAN NOT ALWAYS BE WITH THERE CHILDREN AND THEY NEED A WAY TO SOCIALIZE

Mybe the teens should go to school or get jobs to pass the time?

Too funny. This woman who had someone actually buy drugs from her would turn this place into a huge drug house. She could start getting them hooked even younger..

And, FYI: The boys and girls club still runs an afterschool program at the YMCA. It is like $10 per semester. There is a place for kids to go, and, as far as teens, that is a much bigger issue than a "place" to go. Giving mis-behaving teens a place to get together is just asking for trouble.

People in glass houses shouldnt throw bricks....Thats the way to do it, piss the police off and bring More attention to urself..LOL

Im thinking before you should even consider a teen center there should be research on what programs have worked in other cities. If the statistics look good then maybe we should follow suit -- otherwise you are setting up for failure and waste tax payer money.

I think its not the city's job to entertain children but rather it is a diversion of crime which is always welcomed in my book. Like I said research needs to be done and see what works and what doesn't.

If someone can prove that the idea has had success and it is beneficial for the community, then maybe I would consider it.

As far as her running it, maybe she could be a part of it because of her track record and it would be a good source of community service hours for her to help out. However, I must say I think putting her in charge with her record isn't a very good idea unless she could really try and prove herself into that position over time.

well i deffinately agree on gettin rid of the police grant, what a waste, but that teen center could turn in to a dope house as well

to thekid- blast her? No, but her track record speaks for itself.. I say after she wins all her money in her big law suit- lets see if she puts it twards her own teen center.. I doubt it..lol

Youth centers are a money pit. Start up funds are minor compared to maintaining the building (anybody interested in endowing a janitor?), providing ongoing supplies, adult supervision, and insurance premiums. Partee wants to be entrusted to run it? That alone would get my vote of "no".

i agree there is already enough things for teens to do. its about parents guiding them to those options. but to blast this woman for her past or for trying to make a difference in her neighborhood?? silly

STRUELY6- I understand some of your points, but also as mentioned by another who commented about its location is very correct. A teen center should not be by a tavern.. I also find it funny that this woman wants something like this in HER neighborhood.. There is plenty for kids/teens to do. Plenty of resources also through schools, churches etc.. We have shopping centers, the library, parks, etc.. Past experience has shown that these types of centers work only for a short period of time. Why? Because always a few idiots ruin it for others, always. It is a parents obligation to help find constructive things for their children to do and no one elses. This city is in enough trouble and is going to need any sort of extra funding for other issues.

"Teen Centers" don't work. A place for many teens to be bored, together, is only asking for trouble. Instead, why don't we as a community find productive uses for all their energy? What teens need to do is help others - the elderly, in hospitals, younger kids.

WELL I DO AGREE THAT THIS CITY NEEDS SOME THING FOR KIDS TO DO AND THINK THAT THE CITY SHOULD STEP UP IN THIS DEPARTMENT AND HAVE A REC.HALL OR SOMETHING I DON'T THINK THAT SOMEONE THAT HAS HAD SO MANY QUESTIONABLE ACTS IN THERE LIFE AND THERE HOME SHOULD BE THE PERSON TO RUN IT I THINK THAT WAS THE PROBLEM WITH THE OTHER TEEN REC HALL IS THAT THERE WAS QUESTIONABLE IRRESPONABLE ADULTS RUNNING IT SEEING I WENT TO THESE HALLS AS A TEEN MYSELF AS A MOTHER OF 4 CHILDREN I FIND WAYS TO INTERAIN MY CHILDREN AND DON'T THINK IT IS THE CITYS RESPOSBLITY BUT WITH NO SKATE RINK THAT IS JUST ONE MORE THING THE CHILDREN OF JANESVILLE HAVE LOST LETS FIND AWAY TO GIVE OUR CHILDREN SOMETHING TO DO OTHER THEN CAUSE TROUBLE AND HANG IN THE STREETS THAT ALL THE CHILDREN AND FAMILYS OF JANESVILLE CAN FEEL SAFE TO SEND THERE CHILDREN TO AND CAN AFFORD THANK YOU:)

well don't know about her lawsuit but I can say I sure would not want my children patronizing a teen center that is across from a bar and another bar down the street.... seems like a problem setting for kids

She is a a screecher. Meaning she has nothing to "sue" about.. One of those people who scream "Im gonna sue" thiniking it is a good enough threat to just get her way in the end. I find it more humorus, that SHE wants to run this thing..LOL...Look at her and the history. Complete joke. Cant believe the paper even reported such stupidity by this woman.

Guess it's easier to sue than to actually do something productive with your life.

I guess she-Partee- believes it is the cities responsibility to give her kids something constructive to do?? This is outrageous, this community does not need to be worried about where teens can play. It needs to be more worried about emergency housing, food, etc.. that people are going to need!

If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck...

Ops wrong story thought I was commenting on the teacher, drug story.

I think she has proven time and time again that she lacks in the common sense department.

Didn't they try something like a "teen center" in the 90's down in the old section by the old Post Office? I don't remember it having a very positive impact in the community. I seem to remember a lot of fighting and gang activity there...