April 8th, 2016 there was a big party at South Fork. Over 100 kids, most from Brooking-Harbor, including tweens. Lots of booze. Lots of drugs. Lots of drunks. Some sex. Brookings' graduating athletes were picking fights with underclassmen.

Underage drinking parties happen in the county all year around but upriver is particularly dangerous because of the road coming back to town and the condition of the driver and its occupants. That combination continues to produce serious injuries and occasionally a death almost every year

I put together a rather comprehensive page at https://bit.ly/2JmF5lx called "A River of Booze - The South Fork." which covers many issues around teen drinking: Oregon law. Drug and alcohol statistics like 24.7% of Curry County 11th graders are binge drinkers compared to only 15.5% for the state. Opioids are known to be available including Roofies. Dealers actually announced it on Instagram before the party happened. Prevention strategies like How to talk with your kids about alcohol and drugs. Ways to have fun without drinking and much more

Do whatever it takes to become informed and take an active role to keep your kids safe.

Gordon Clay
Brookings, OR