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Community of Backus gathers over girl's death
Staff Writer BACKUS - The tragic death of a 15-year-old Backus girl brought together a community Thursday.
The informational meeting at the Cass County Land Department in Backus was held to find ways to prevent teenage drinking and drug use.
Nearly 45 people attended the one-hour meeting that was scheduled to clear up rumors concerning how 19-year-old Matthew Michael Martin allegedly shot the girl after his sexual contact with her after a party, where drinking was involved.
Martin was charged last week in Cass County District Court with felony second-degree intentional murder, two counts of felony first-degree criminal sexual conduct and felony first-degree burglary.
Cass County Sheriff Randy Fisher said he wanted to clarify rumors about the incident, including the fact that there was one victim, not multiple victims, as had been rumored.
Discussion led to how the community can help fight underage drinking and drug use in Backus and Pine River. Audience members said they often see teenagers partying in area fields late at night but don't know what to do about it. Others said teenagers need more things to do to help them stay out of trouble.
Backus Mayor Cloie Smith said she keeps an eye out for the teenagers who are getting in trouble. She said she hopes young people know that there are fun things to do that don't involve alcohol or drugs.
Pine River-Backus Superintendent Cathy Bettino said the school is implementing several programs to help educate students and their families about alcohol and drugs to keep them safe. The school also is asking parents to take a pledge to keep their children safe by not allowing alcohol or drugs in the home.
Bettino said everyone has to work together to keep children safe because it isn't just one family that has to deal with the problem - it's the entire community.
Collin Frazier, who coordinated the meeting, has a contract with the Pine River-Backus School District to work with teenagers and the public on education concerning alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
Frazier said underage drinking is an issue and that he's working on implementing more programs to help tackle the problem.
Frazier said a coalition group meets the third Wednesday of the month, from 10 a.m.-noon at the Church of the Nazarene in Backus, where attendees address the underage drinking problem - and ideas for fun activities to give teens an alternative to drinking.
"If you're 15 and live in Backus and it's after 10 p.m., there is nothing to do," said Greg Baker, pastor at the church. "We need to educate the parents and give them tools to create something fun for their children so they can bring their friends home to a safe environment."
JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.
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