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photo by Keith McElwee
A teenager is pulled to safety Monday night after he and a friend apparently ran into the river intentionally. The teens were caught in the current and were rescued by three men who happened to be on the scene. The men are using a water hose to drag the teen in.
Teens rescued from flood
Published Tuesday, April 22, 2008
VIDALIA— A teenage prank that could have ended in deadly tragedy Monday night turned three everyday men into heroes instead.
Two teens — a 16-year-old and 17-year-old Michael Cupstid — reportedly chose to run into the record-high waters of the Mississippi River at the Vidalia Riverfront at approximately 6:30 p.m.
The current caught them, and they were pushed further from shore, witnesses on the scene said.
Vidalia Police Chief Billy Hammers was at the Riverpark Medical Center on the riverfront when the incident occurred.
“I looked and saw a head bobbing,” he said.
Hammers was one of a large crowd inside and outside the medical center who saw the young men in the water. Word spread quickly and three men took charge, eventually bringing the teens to safety.
Lee Miley, a retired state trooper from Mississippi, Vidalia businessman Brent Adkison and Dr. Bernard Boka, a doctor at Riverpark saved the teens’ lives, Hammers said.
Boka was working in the clinic when word traveled to him that someone was drowning in the river.
“Someone came into the building and said a child had fallen into the river,” Boka said. “I saw a teenager out there in the water and I thought he was holding a baby.”
Boka went to the water’s edge and went in after the teen.
Riverpark front desk worker Kristy Murray stood by watching the rescue.
“Dr. Boka goes throwing his stethoscope off, throwing his shoes off, getting everything off,” she said. “It scared everybody to death.”
Boka was joined by the two other men, one of which happened to grab a life preserver on shore.
“I swam about 15 or 20 feet out,” Boka said. “I had a hose that another man had managed to grab hold of, and I just dug my heels in and pulled.”
The trio was able to pull one of the teens back to land, just in front of the Vidalia Conference and Convention Center.
The other teen swam back on his own, Boka said.
Boka and EMTs who had been called to the scene examined both teens and saw no major cause for concern, Boka said.
“They were cold and kind of shaken up, but OK,” Boka said.
And as for Boka, he’s OK too.
“(The river) is cold. And it’s definitely muddy,” Boka said. “But I had a change of scrubs.”
He left his muddy clothes in the medical center changing room and 20 minutes later was back to his day-job as an after-hours clinic doctor — seeing patients and saving lives the old fashioned way.
“This was a little bit different than normal,” he said.
As a result of Monday night’s incident, the Vidalia Riverfront is now closed to the public, Hammers said. The sidewalk will be blocked off with police tape, and anyone found crossing it will be subject to arrest, Hammers said.
“It’s dangerous, and we don’t want anyone to get hurt,” he said. “I know it’s interesting and exciting and people have been taking pictures left and right, but we just can’t take a risk.”
The medical center, convention center and hotel will remain open, and traffic will be allowed on the street.
The river began its crest Monday. It sits at 56.9 now, the second highest level on record.
Comments
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 8:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
im glad they are safe...but what were they thinking....the river at this stage is nothing to play with.thanks to the vidalia police dept for closing the river walk
Posted by rattlesnake (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 8:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
here's your sign boys (STUPID)
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 8:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey, come on. Kids will be kids. Stupid, but kids.
Were they on skateboards? If so, hopefully the boards were not recovered.
Posted by babyblu2001 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 9:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's sad that kids do stupid things like this and get away with it...they should be punished for making others risk their lives for this. It's good they are safe, but how many more will try to do the same if these two are not punished?
Posted by ghost (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 9:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
thanks to these jackasses they shut the Riverfront down. Thanks for ruining it for us. Maybe Darwin wont let you slip away next time
Posted by emp (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is a shame that the riverfront is closed because of stupidity.
Posted by countrygirl4evr (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 9:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope these boys & the girl involved know were the true blessing came from, Jesus Christ. They have a lot to be thankful for. Things that people do affect others ones lives. These kids have a real life testimony to share with others. Michael was definately blessed to have the gentleman throw him that life jacket at the right time. They both were very blessed & God is not through with them yet.
I hope the girl realizes how enticing someone to do something that stupid could have cost them their lives.
As far as punishment goes I believe they will be punishing theirselves the rest of their lives, the girl & the two boys.
God bless that they are safe.
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 9:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
countrygirl4evr, No need for them to self-punish. Its not like they went out to burn and pillage. They simply fell in the river. They ain't the first and won't be the last. I got out on a piece of ice in the river years ago and had a friend take my picture. Then I encouraged him to do the same. But he fell in. HA!!! He told me later, "I'm not mad at you. I'm mad at myself because i knew better than to listen to you". HA!
Posted by na1015 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 9:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You're right, Countrygirl....These kids now days are just down right STUPID, They need to be on their knees giving thanks to the man above. They need to be punished by law for their stupidity and Then the parents need to finish their day , the good ole fashion way.
Posted by na1015 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 9:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
oldgranddad....yes it is like they went out to burn and pillage....its the same thing, because of them ,all of us that are not stupid like them no longer can go to the riverwalk..They did not simply fall in the river they jumped in it and swam to the buoy and back...Well, let me say tried to swim to the buoy and back..
Posted by na1015 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 9:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i wouldnt say shoot em... but they need punished for this...
Posted by NtzMom55 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It would be different if they fell in, but they intentionally ran in.
Hey kids, c a n y o u s a y D U M B?
Dumb and Dumber gone-a-driftin.
The Riverwalk should not be shut down. If they jumped off of the bridge, would the bridge be closed? N0oooooooo!
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
na1015, Ok. Go ahead and shoot 'em.
Posted by na1015 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
oldgranddad...you should have been there to witness....If u weren't there u dont know...That was horrifying to watch..All out of pure STUPIDITY
Posted by vidalia1 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The act could have caused death for the men who saved their lives.This was very serious and should not be simply laughed off.There should be punishment by law to stop the next ones who will try to out do this act. Maybe if the parents be made to pay a fine they would know where their kids are.
Posted by na1015 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 9:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanh You...NtzMom
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 10:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
na1015, I can understand that you are upset the riverwalk is shut down. Get yourself a big enough group of folks and go down there anyway. They (police) will back off. Yes, its wrong to close it due to one stupid prank. And the prank could have been done at any time, not just high water. Closing it is simply a knee-jerk reaction and a big enough public outcry will turn that around. But I ain't gonna chuck rocks at kids for swimming in the river. I might laugh and point, but no stoning.
Posted by oldschool (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 10:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am with the rest STUPID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by na1015 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 10:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
NO...Oldgranddad, Unlike you and these kids, I obey the law,,that why I NEVER crossed the yellow tape down there..And HOW do you call this a PRANK?????? I guess u would allow your grandkids to swim in the river...WOW that pretty much sums it all up..
Posted by oldschool (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 10:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Where were the supervision of the parents if these kids were so stupid to jump in the river????.... I am sure this was not there first stupid brainer they have done??? I also would say they should have to spend time in a mental ward due to trying to commit suicide. Cause that is exactly what they did..... no matter how you look at it....... Gosh these DUMB KIDS this day in time.
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 10:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Everyone wants these kids punished for being STUPID but yet, there are grown people doing stupid stuff as well they aren't punished.....They are kids..maybe not thinking the best in the world but, Kids do not see fear. Do any of y'all remember when y'all were kids and did STUPID things???
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 10:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My vote is for STUPID, too! A real stupid, careless and ignorant thing to do!! I wonder what time of night it was and if alcohol played a part in it!?!?!?!?
PARENTS, DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR CHILDREN ARE????
Posted by NtzMom55 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 10:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Charge the parents every penny for the cost of what the taxpayers have to pay for the security guard/officer to be stationed there to keep people away from the Riverwalk. The tax payers should not have to pay for those careless teens act of stupidity. If the Riverwalk is being shut down, everything else should be closed. That would be as fair as shutting the walk down, wouldn't it? I bet that would get some folks in the Medical center, Motel and Visitor's center stirred up!
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 10:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Now let me get this right...these kids are stupid for jumping in river they need to be punished....But, The ones who stole the 4wheelers should be patted on their back and nothing be done with them...The things that make you go hmmm...
Posted by na1015 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 10:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OMG !!!!!!! I didn't do any patting on the back..Who did ????
Posted by justthefactsman (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 10:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm with Rattlesnake...
HERE'S YOUR SIGN!!!!
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 10:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Even though my comments didn't entail a call for punishment. I wouldn't dismiss putting other people's life in danger as nothing. Now, that I think about it, I do feel there should be consequences for their actions. The careless, reckless behavior of these kids could have caused them their lives AND caused those rescuing them to lose their lives, too. Now, that's nothing to sneeze at!
Steal an ATV . . . steal a life. Hmmmm . . . I wonder which one is the most serious?!?!?!?!?
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 10:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
na1015, I agreed that it was stupid in my last post. And my first post too. Please get a grip.
Posted by lookingout (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 10:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i think what the kids did wasnt the smartest thing they could have been doing at the time.....but everyonee that comments on here always says look at the positive why always be negative so yalls comments should be thank god for the three men who rescued them and thank god no one lost their lives over KIDS being KIDS
Posted by overthehill60 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 11:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This was so stupid. These kids should be punished by making them work their rumps off filling sandbags, cleaning up after the water drops & doing anything else during this flood. I can think of a number of things they could be doing to help the community.
Their ignorance could have caused the rescurers & themselves their lives.
I agree kids will be kids, but some things are plain stupid & jumping in a raging river is one of them.
Thanks these ignorant kids the Riverfront is being closed to the public.
I will say I am extremely happy they or the rescurers were not killed.
Posted by hopefloats (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 11:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't understand the whole story...the article i read did not say it was a dare presented by a girl to swim to the bouys and back. The adults were just siteseeing and jumped into the river to save those kids? Riverpark is closed or Riverwalk is closed?
Posted by texasranger (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 11:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Open the Riverwalk. If they catch them down there again,arrest them. Ban them from the riverwalk. If they did it once they will do it again,trust me.
Posted by myfairy (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 11:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank God the rescuers and the teens are safe and SOME YOUNG teens should thank them also, they risked their lives for the teens.
Posted by Choctaw (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 11:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
[quote]Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 10:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
na1015, I can understand that you are upset the riverwalk is shut down. Get yourself a big enough group of folks and go down there anyway. They (police) will back off. Yes, its wrong to close it due to one stupid prank. And the prank could have been done at any time, not just high water. Closing it is simply a knee-jerk reaction and a big enough public outcry will turn that around. But I ain't gonna chuck rocks at kids for swimming in the river. I might laugh and point, but no stoning.[/quote]
OldGrandDad,,,,Whats the matter with you??? The Police Are NOT going to just "Back Off" as you said in a situation like this! This is serious man,,,,Don't you get it? Or do you just want to make negative comments to everyone on here when they post something serious???
These boys INTENTIONALLY jumped into a flood swollen River that the Police have been telling everyone to stay away from! The Democrat has published editorials saying how dangerous the River is right now and to stay away from the Rivers edge!!!
Yet these boys jump in and cause three men that saved them to possibly loose their lives for those boys STUPIDITY!!!
You Sir,,,,,Need to get a grip!!! **EYEROLL**
Posted by Whisper (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 11:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The kids knew what they were doing were stupid. But since they are invincible. Or at the least,,,, now they know that they are not.. My bigger concern is that the rescuers are ok. That would have been a bitter pill for a stupid invincible kid to swallow. Now let's take a vote. Does anyone think that they learned anything by this??
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 11:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Choctaw, You gotta be kidding. You gonna rag on me too cuz I don't want to see kids get some kind of severe punishment for a stupid prank? You think the average kids in our area read Democrat editorials? Go ahead and send them to prison if you want. I'm not without sin or stupidity so I will not be casting stones. I'll let you righteous folks do that.
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 11:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ijohnson if you still the right persons ATV they would have stole there own lives.....
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 12:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Amen oldgranddad.....
My thing is when those teens stole those atv omg it was everyones fault but theres....Like i said in above post if they would have stole the right persons atv and got caught they would have paid with there lives then...I can almost bet you then the person who would have shot them would have been so wrong......
Posted by na1015 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 12:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
whisper..I don't know if they learned anything or not..but by the screams for help and the struggling he was doing while drifting in the current, Maybe sounded like he knew he has done the wrong thing..It wasn't so funny to him then. I just really hope the teens learned a BIG lesson on this one. I am very thankful they are safe and especially the 3 who rescued him. I do believe they need to recieve some form of punishment...like community service or A class for DUMMIES
Posted by justwatchingitall (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If anything should be done to these kids it should be them work and take care of whatever the city decided to fine them with. That is one thing wrong with kids now someone is ALWAYS bailing them out...
As far as ijohnson's commentPosted by ijohnson (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 10:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Steal an ATV . . . steal a life. Hmmmm . . . I wonder which one is the most serious?!?!?!?!?
They didn't steal anyones life...But those other kids did steal atv's something people worked hard to pay for. They should be punished to the fullest extent of the law...They should have to pay for those atv's they stole...Maybe they would learn a lesson....If there is nothing done they will surely do it again as i am sure it wasn't there first time...think there was alcohol involved in that ijohnson? It was alot earlier in the morning..
Posted by Choctaw (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No OldGrandDad,,,,I'm not kidding! It isn't like those boys are 5 and 6 years old and couldn't really comprehend just how dangerous the River is now with it being so swollen,,,,But these boys are 16 and 17,,,,,and should have KNOWN better and not risked their lives much less others live! The men that saved them are to be commended for not even thinking about maybe they could drown too!!! My hat is off to all three of you men!!!
No where in my post did I say that I thought the boys should have been "severely" punished!! But I do absolutely think they should have to do some serious Community Service and pay a hefty fine for endangering others!
Oh and one more thing OldGrandDad,,,,,If you really think the Police are going to really "Back Off",,,,Just go down there with some friends of yours and cross that Police tape and see how long it takes for them to arrest you!
Thats all I have to say about it,,,,,God Bless!!!
Posted by frogprincenessntz (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
God Bless the three men who risked their lives. As for punishment for the two young men, they should be the ones getting the punishment, not their parents. The parents should be given a break on child abuse charges for one day, but it will probably not be necessary. Can you feel what you would do? They probably feel like beating them half to death, but are so thankful that they are not dead that it will not happen. As for the girl enticing them to do something stupid, at sixteen and seventeen, they ought to know better.
I do not think they should have closed the Riverwalk. I do understand that it makes the police job harder, but a lot of law abiding citizens were enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime event and obeying the law while doing it. Just advise everyone that if they intentionally get too close to the edge, they are on their own! Put up a few signs to that effect and mean it.
Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Not only did these teens know they were doing wrong, they were warned by an adult at the scene not to get in the river. The teens retorted that they knew what they were doing. The girl with them was egging the boys on daring them to swin out to the bouy. One made it out and back, the other had to be rescued.
So does this call for some kind of punishment? You bet your life jacket it does.
Not only did these people endanger their lives, they endangered the lives of three other people to pull their STUPID rear ends out of the river
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Choctaw, Thank you for the blessing. I will accept that. And may the Lord bless you too.
Please forgive me if I can be irreverent concerning yellow tape lines. If the city has made a law saying that people should not be walking on the riverfront then I can respect that. But if this is an administrative kneejerk reaction that punishes the many for the actions of the few (and stupid) then I'm glad to disrespect it. No disrespect to the Lawmen of course. They gotta do what they gotta do.
We now have 2 youngsters that are gonna get teased for the rest of their lives. Everytime they go to a pool or the lake this will be mentioned. It will be the talk of the school for the rest of the school year. And probably next year too. 30 years from now when one of them runs for office people will say "remember when...". Thats how it happens. I believe that is enough. I understand some folks think differently.
The men on the bank did not have to save these kids. They could have called 911 and watched. But they helped willingly. That makes them heroes. And life is good.
Posted by The_Punisher (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 3:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
OldGrandDad: You are correct in your last post, if these kids live to be 100 years old I know that someone will remind them of this. However it was still a bonehead thing to do, if nobody was around....................................????
At least they are safe and hopefully they've learned a lesson from all of this.
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 3:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Remember what they say are the last words of a redneck? "Hey y'all. Watch this."
Posted by The_Punisher (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 4:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
OldGrandDad: This is true! Teenagers! LOL!!!!
Posted by The_Punisher (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 4:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I've always had a healthy respect for that river, and since it's existed probably hundreds of thousands of lives have been lost in it. I won't even get in the river in a boat, and over the years I've known a couple of folks who've drowned in it or the creeks that feed it. It's dirty, wide, deep and unforgiving. No thank you Sir, I'll just stay away and admire it from afar, and others should too.
Posted by NatchezEnema (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 5:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
IGMOE"S, can't save someone from themselves, Lucky, they got lucky this time.
Posted by saywhat (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 5:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Mississippi River is dangerous even at the best of times. Thank goodness there were brave people willing to risk their lives for them. I can't say that I would have.
Posted by unclered (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 5:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The rescuers interfered with the Law of Natural Selection. Those kids should have been allowed to drown. Instead, society will be burdened with more idiots.
Posted by drawpaintsing (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 6:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To my understanding, the children who stole the ATV's weren't patted on the back, and the ones who won the championship wasn't even in the championship. If I am wrong, correct me. I have no problem with that. But what these kids did is just as stupid as they were, and I don't see where there even need to be a comparison. All of their lives could have been lost. We just need to thank God that they all were spared. Those boys knew that it was wrong to steal the ATV's and those boys knew it was wrong to to jump in that water. Is that a good enough comparison for you? Give it up, and thank GOD that they all are still living, no matter what the punishment is.
Posted by wifetoone (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 6:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
HOLD ON FOLKS.... These kids should be punished one way or another, just because they put other people in DANGER.The sad thing about this is as soon as they were dried off they were calling or texting their friends to tell them what a funny thing they had done. If they were mine, they should have gone down, because when I'd would have gotten a hold of them, they would have stood a better chance in the water.
Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 7:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is so sad. Teens are doing IGNORANT THINGS and they think this is cool. I hope their parents spank their butts till their arms get tired. I guess this just shows what a kid will do to get attention.
Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 7:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
no!! these teens should have not been just pulled to safety and that be all that's done!! they gave off false pretnese!! a man that wanted to save two young lives could've lost his life in an instant!! it's not right these boys go on like nothing happened!! they should have to answer for the STUPIDEST 'PRANK' THEY COULD IMAGINE DOING!!! community service something!! cleaning that doctor's ofice clinic or whatever he works in!! SOMETHING!! DON'T LET THESE TEENS THINK THEY HAVE JUST GOTTEN AWAY WITH THIS!! IT'S NOT A PRANK WHEN PEOPLES LIFE'S ARE AT STAKE!
Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 7:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
((oldschool)) i saw where you said where were their parents??? ummm probably at work or at home thinking that (just like all parents think)) their kids are smart enough to not do something as stupid as to
'run' into the MS. RIVER WHEN IT IS ALMOST 60 FT HIGH!! don't go bashing the parents...
Posted by mamaw (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 7:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
(unclered)?? All I can say is my gosh, what a crazy thing to say "Law of natural selection". I take it you dont think God has a perfect plan for everything. My God knows all and dont make mistakes.. He lets crazy people do crazy things at times, But there was a reason the three men were there at that time. God Bless the Heroe's.
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 7:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, these kids' actions put a lot of lives in grave danger, then they thought it was funny afterwards, too. They should be punished and taught a lesson.
As for the young men who stole the ATVs ((fire39212)) I'm still searching for a connection or relevance to this incident. However, you would find a way to try to connect the two just for the sake of stirring up some $#!%!!!
As for all your comments with this "big and bad, pistol-toting" attitude, all you're going to do is pi$$ somebody off and get pistol-whipped. *LOL*
((justwatchingitall)) you post: ". . . They didn't steal anyones life...But those other kids did steal atv's something people worked hard to pay for. They should be punished to the fullest extent of the law...They should have to pay for those atv's they stole...Maybe they would learn a lesson....If there is nothing done they will surely do it again as i am sure it wasn't there first time...think there was alcohol involved in that ijohnson? It was alot earlier in the morning.."
Well, I think they did put other's folks' lives in grave danger with their reckless behavior and total disregard for the law. If those recsuers were swept away trying to rescue those idiots their lives would have been "stolen" away.
As for the guy in the ATV incident, I think they are being punished for their alleged crime; I think all but one of the ATVs were recovered; your statement that it was not their first time stealing ATVs is very presumptive; and NO, I don't think there was alcohol involved in it. I hope this lends some clarification as to the facts of this incident vs. the fiction you write about.
Posted by ntzmom (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 7:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If the little genusis were my kids, they would see my face, their bedroom, their classroom and that's it untill they turned 18.
Posted by SayItRight (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 7:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You can't blame them for closing the Riverfront - they don't need or want the liability. If something bad had happened to the kids, their parents may have sued the city for allowing people access to it. People always try to find someone else to blame, especially when it would involve $.
Posted by LdyBreez (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 7:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We all have to remember that we are talking about a new generation. Children today are not like we were when we were kids. We had fear of consiquences. My mom could weild a belt just as good if not better than my dad. She was not one to say, "Wait til your dad gets home." I personally had a very healthy fear of consiquences. Today children have no fear of consiquences. They get away with so much!
It was drilled into me what an unforgiving ole man the Mississippi River can be at it's normal stage. I grew up with a healthy respect for it.
Posted by countrygirl4evr (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 7:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks na1015.. oldgranddad was obviously not there to witness these horrific nightmare that was real life. I was there! I have pics to prove it. These boys just didn't run(as the paper said) or jump in. They simply walked in & swam.---
For the record, The boys were knee deep when they were even warned not to go any further.. that there was drop off & that it was dangerous. But they turned around & said "Thanks misters, but we'll be ok." They begin to complain that the water was cold when the girl, I explained earlier, enticed them to go in--I dare you.. what are you, chickens--We all know that young girls should never dare young boys to do something that stupid--
So all 3 were in the wrong, but despite of everything the boys started to swim to the bouy. The current caught them & they barely made it to the bouy. Michael was the first to make it, but both of them could not hold on long. The current was just too strong. They used all their energy swimming against the current to get to the bouy. So by the time they were swept off the bouy they were exhausted. They began to yell for help.
At first, everyone was stunned then realized they were serious. The girl then begin to panic screaming their names. We all told them to doggy paddle--do something--to stay above water. At that moment i believe everyone was on their cell calling 911. Should have called the police when they started swimming.
One of the boys made it back to shore. He layed on the bank catching his breath. Meanwhile everyone is hollering for Michael to stay above water. The girl ran down the riverwalk screaming at him to swim to get back. He explained he couldn't..then he was silent.
Then out of nowhere a life jacket was thrown at the right time behind him. We all screamed his name. He then flipped around & grabbed the life jacket. It was then I saw the men quickly beginning to save Michael.
Now I am not trying to look down on any of these kids, but the boys were warned. They ignored it. The girl enticed them. As you say "kids will be kids", but it could have cost them their lives.
Despite all that happened last night, the Lord is not through with these young men. I hope they truly know how blessed they are. God bless to the 3 men that thought so quickly to save Michael.
Posted by triscuit (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Kids are kids are kids are kids are kids. How often does the average teenager make a bad decision that doesn't end in disaster or near-disaster? Weekly? Daily? HOURLY? I can conceive of my otherwise brilliant teenager coming up with something like this, he's smart and well-behaved, but has a 16-year old's judgement. Although I would be seriously disappointed that he didn't think it through enough to NOT do it, I'd be SO HAPPY he was safe and rescued. Teenagers are influenced as much by their peers as they are their parents or other adult authority figures, maybe more. That's a fact. I'm just glad they're okay.
Posted by JDR (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)
teenagers or not i find it hard to believe that people could be so stupid. the only good thing about this is that 3 people out of what sounds like a large crowd decided to help....so hats off to the 3 guys that took action.
Posted by Whisper (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 8:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A Great Big thankyou and Hugs to all that was involved in the rescue. Now it's time for the kids to give back. NO cell phones period. And I think they should help the rescuers in some way. Cut grass, clean up, something. To show their appreciation. Boy, if that had been me. I think I would have rathered stay in the river with my stupidity. Than have to go home and face my MOM.
Posted by phatdiva76 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am glad they closed the riverwalk. People are all over the place trying to see the river. Yes it's exciting and interesting to look at but, pranks are dangerous. Therefore, since they can't stay their distance from the river, then close it to prevent it from happening again.
Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 8:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Cupstids that I went to school with were way smarter than that. I remember Angie, Tammie, Vickie, and Donnie as having enough brains not to do anything like this. I hope the older generation of Cupstids instills some real wisdom into the younger generation today. This could be a very teachable moment for the Cupstids.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 8:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you countrygirl for clearing up some questions, and triscuit you are right. Teens have very little good judgement. They think nothing can happen to them because they are young. My son decided to skateboard down Silver St. years ago and literaly slid under one of the trollies. How he missed getting run over is still a miracle to me. Kids do stupid things, kids need to be punished for doing these thing if they have been warned against them, but kids are still going to be kids. And hopefully they will learn from their stupid decisions. I am just grateful that no lives were lost.
Posted by shp1055 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Several hundred hours of community service on the riverfront picking up paper, cleaning the toilets daily, in full view of the public, cleaning for that special Doctor, State Trooper & Brent (under direct supervision of a responsible adult) sounds good to me.
Posted by drawpaintsing (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by drawpaintsing (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 6:05 a.m.
"To my understanding, the children who stole the ATV's weren't patted on the back, and the ones who won the championship wasn't even in the championship."
I meant to say, "To my understanding, the children who stole the ATV's weren't patted on the back, and the ones who won the championship wasn't the ones who stole them."
I need to wake up before I post the next time.
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good morning, ((drawpaintsing))!! We knew what you meant! Anyway, I hope you have a wonderfully BLESSED day!
Posted by goodwitch2008 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow that was pretty dumb of them. Alot of particular Natchez teens do foolish pranks and things everyday. This one just got noticed. I mean they hang out of their cars while driving fast, they drag race, they do drugs and drink and steal...and lots of other things probably because they're bored which is sad.
I think that these kids should be punished for what they did and not seen as little saints or as helpless. What they did was a result of their own stupidity and their total disregard for others. Those people that saved them could have ended up dying themselves. I bet they think its hilarious just like those eight teens that beat up that girl in Florida.
Also,
I don't see what the ATVs being stolen have to do with this article, stop trying to divert the attention from the subject at hand.
I'm so annoyed that the Riverfront is closed now because of some immature teenagers. I had plans to go take pictures for my 4-H photo contest down there but now that plan is shot. Gah how selfish could they get?
Posted by ozzette (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm with Ntzmom...they were stupid, and now the rest of us are losing out on some great opportunities for photographs...
Anyway, wanted to post the link for the Natchez Area Freecycle group. You post to give away things you no longer want or need, and post requesting things you want/need, all for free.
144 members strong so far!
FreecycleNatchezArea-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Posted by tedhinson (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Three teens...no fear....3 brave gentlemen...God's gift at the right time...Life goes on. God bless them all.
Posted by themadhatter (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
shp1055: I agree. Once the river goes down there will be plenty of unsightly trash and debris littering the banks.
That would keep those 2 teens busy for a while and give them some time to think about how blessed they are to be walking along side of the river and not floating lifeless in it.
I have 2 teenagers. They live for the here and now, with little thought of tomorrow or how their decisions will affect others. It's just a stage of life. But there must be consequences for bad decisions so that the lesson is learned and remembered in the future.
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
((ozzette)), thanks for the info. One of my daughters reminded me this morning that today is "Earth Day"! Earth Day is celebrated annually around the globe. Through the combined efforts of the U.S. government, grassroots organizations, and citizens like you and me, what started as a day of national environmental recognition has evolved into a world-wide campaign to protect our global environment. Let's do what we can to recycle, freecycle and conserve.
Have a happy Earth Day!
Posted by Happy (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm so glad that the teens were brought to safety. What was they thinking about to such a foolish thing?
Posted by JECS (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
GLAD THEY ARE SAFE. AND, THANK GOD FOR HEROES.
Posted by Bobaloo (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What word to you get when you scramble Cupstid? stupid.
Those boys deserve a good butt whipping just for embarassment.
The other one must be related cuz he's a stupid too.
Posted by Happy (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm so glad that the teens were brought to safety. What was they thinking about to do such a foolish thing?
Posted by wifetoone (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
goodwitch2008 you are right about kids and the things they do while out and about at all hours of the night doing things they should'nt be doing. My mother told me something a long time ago...."It's not who you see, but who sees you. I've told my children that when they were growing up. I did not have to whip my children very many times, but I gave them that look that meant more words than the Dictionary has on its pages , and they knew I meant buisness,I also told them that if they ever got into trouble they were in better hands with the law than in mine.
Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bobaloo, the Cupstids that I knew were not stupid at all. I believe that this younger generation needs to be trained a little more.
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
countrygirl4evr Thanks for the info an clearing alot of questions up for us....
You sound like my mom wifetoone lol...
Wonder who there parents were?? I bet you he wasn't Donnie Cupstid kids...
Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Fire, did you know Donnie , Angie, and Tammie?
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm sure the fear that hit these kids will stay with them long enough that they will never do something like this again. I walked with a friend yesterday to both Silver Street and where Magnolia Vale is and MAN it looks bad. Not to mention snakes were crawling up the bank in front of us as we were walking along the fence! That's MY last visit to look.
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
((wifetoone)) I think you are my mother!?!?!?! You live by the same philosophy. When it comes to whippings, I often joke with my mother about past vs. present day "spankings/whippings" and Child Protective Services. Nowadays, if you swat a child on the butt (especially in the public) or slap your teenager across the back with a ruler, you may find yourself in jail. I joke with my mother about the fact that she would be on death row for the kind of whippings whe would inflict!!!!
However, discipline and fear of consequences did give us food for thought before we did the kind of stupid things we read about today and over the recent past. There appears to be too much disregard and disrepect of authority in a lot of these children growing up today.
Posted by MamaC (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That does sound so awful. I'm sure everyone that witnessed this will never forget that trama. I hope-n-pray these 3 Youth have learned a very valuable lesson as well as everyone who hears about it and will take heed. "Thank You" to the brave men who put their lives on the line to save them. That was an awesome act of Heroism. But most of all "Praise God!!!!" None of this was luck, God had already placed everyone in the right place and in perfect timing to save them. God is so good. For one, I'm glad the Riverfront will be closed for everyone's safety. My husband and I rode down there Saturday night and it was soooo scary! You can see "Danger" lurking all around. Y'all take care and be careful! I hope you all have a blessed day.
Posted by wifetoone (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
fire, then you were raised right from the fear of MOM
Posted by saywhat (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think picking up trash and lots of community service is a great idea. Not only for the 2 boys but the girl involved also. It would certaintly give them plenty of time to think about their actions. Maybe they could wear T-shirts that say why they are doing it.
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I know Donnie....
My mom is 88 and you still couldn't get me to do ANYTHING i had to call and tell her that wasn't right eeww wwweee no way!!!
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ijohnson that was funny.....
I tell you sometimes i want to just stop in wal mart and ask some of these younger mothers "What are you thinking letting them talk to you that way?" the way i hear some of these kids talk to there mom.I am like wow if i had EVER even thought about talking to my mom in that manner shoot i would be picking myself up down one of those isles...Don't get me wrong i have Thanked her so many times for taking the time and caring enough to raise me right......
Posted by vilou09 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is awful... I know both of these guys, and the sad part about it is that it really didn't surprise me that either of them did this.
I woke up this morning and my mom called me in the kitchen and said, "Do you know a Michael Cupstid?"
I said, "Yes, i do. What happened?"
And she told me what was in the paper. I said to myself, "I just KNOW that Austin was with him. I just know it."
So I got on here, looked a the pics, and SURE ENOUGH... I was right!
Neither of them are in school; they had JUST graduated from the YCP (Youth Challenge Program), and this is the irony of the WHOLE situation....
The mission statement on the YCP website states, "....The mission of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program is to intervene in and reclaim the lives of at-risk youth, to produce program graduates with the values, skills, education and self-discipline necessary to succeed as adults."
WOW. Looks like they really learned something, huh? I'm so glad this didn't end in tagedy. But none of this surprises me.
Oh and [[Bobaloo]]; "stupid" doesnt have a 'C' in it...
:]
Posted by wifetoone (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ijohnson I'd be sucking my food through a straw,because I wouldnt have teeth to chew with. Parents now a day are a little relaxed on what their children do. PARENTS PAY ATTENTION for your own heart ache and for the sake of your children
Posted by Hardcorps (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well Old Grand Dad I guess you and I are the only two that did stupid things as a teenager. I shouldn't have lived to be 20. or 30. The Lord takes care of drunks and stupid teenagers. I'm pretty normal now 40 years after my teenage years.
Is that a tree over there by that bunny rabbit with the pancake on his head???
Posted by goodwitch2008 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
wifetoone
I'm glad you agree. My mother would never let me get away with something like that and she knows that I wouldn't do anything like that even if she isn't around because she raised me correctly. I'm around the age of one of those teens (17 and about to graduate) and a thought like that would have never crossed my mind. But then again I am not enticed by most things my peers are.
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hats off to your mom goodwitch2008......
Posted by drawpaintsing (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Goodwitch2008, I can tell you have a straight head on your shoulders and a promising future by the way you express yourself on this forum. I was left out alot in school, because I didn't want to "join in any reindeer games" that was going on. But, look where I am today. I love my life. I'm just glad those boys are safe, and I'm sure they won't try that again.
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hardcorps, Yep. I agree. The Lord has been good. And we were raised in a day and age when kids road all over the county in the back of a pickup truck, sometimes with another kid driving. We didn't have pads on our knees or helmets on our heads when we road our bikes. Short of a wood raft on the river, we did most things that Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn and Beaver Cleaver did. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Looks like I spelled rode wrong. I'll get on down the road now.....
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You know what, growing up with parents who were strict wasn't fun. However, my oldest sister and I thank our parents for being as strict as they were because we think about the consequences, i.e, unwanted pregnancy, drug addiction, lack of education, loose morals, etc.
There is definitely more good resulting from being a strict parent who practices discipline vs. one who let's their children rant and rave and do whatever they want. You're not helping the child when you allow them to disrespect you at home AND/OR in the public. You are making their life much more difficult because if they have no respect for you, then they will, most likely, disrespect any other authority-figure (teacher, police, boss, elders, etc.) You balance the discipline with an explanation as why you had to punish or discipline them so you can instill some understanding. Help them to think things through rationally and make wise and right choices by explaining to them what the consequences could be for them making the wrong choice. Give the tools to make the right decisions and give them the confidence to stand strong in the midst of temptation and use their head when all those about them are losing theirs!
I know during my teenage years there were times I was tempted to stray from my teachings and do something against my better judgment. However, when I thought about doing something that would bring shame upon my family or the fact that my parents would "kill me" if they found out, that was it! This girl ain't stupid!!!! The thought of the long-term consequences I would have to suffer from my actions far outweighed any possible 5-minute thrill I could get from doing what I knew was wrong.
Posted by squeetlebomb (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
All 3 of these stupid teens should have to do community service. The teens that stole the 4 weelers broke the law and should also have to pay for it. I can't believe somebody thinks they can steel 4 four wheelers and not be punished for it. Evidently steeling one and getting away with it and then steeling 3 more shows a pattern. It's a good thing they were caught before something really bad happened. Have we forgotten that theft can lead to death. We are to lenient with our youth, and we are giving them a false message.
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Excellent post ijohnson
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hardcorps...Where did you see the bunny with the pancake on his head? I'm looking everywhere for him!
Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The parents of these kids should punish them tremendously. This is one of the most STUPID intentional acts I have ever of someone doing. Not only did these ignorant kids put themselves in danger, they also put the rescuers in extreme danger. I feel they should be punished BY THE LAW and serve a large amount of community service.
Posted by itsawounderfullife (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
STUPID!!!!!! I was a teen not long ago and I did some stupid stuff but jumping in the river never crossed my mind.
Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks a lot STUPID KIDS, for ruining it for everyone else. Hey, parents to these kids, thanks just as much; had you taught them a little more about the MS River current and water safety, perhaps they would have thought twice about wading into the second highest flood stage on record of the MS River. Geez, what is the youth of today coming to?
If they wanted attention, guess they got it. Wonder if they are bragging to their friends about it...
DUMB!!!
Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Someone should take these kids over to the body that was found and MAKE them observe what the Mississippi River can do. Something should DEFINATELY be done to these kids for this.
All they are getting right now is bragging rights that they swam in the MS River and got their pictures on the front page of the paper.
NO MATTER WHAT AGE THEY ARE, THEY SHOULD BE PUNISHED FOR THEIR STUPIDITY!
Posted by Whisper (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just maybe, it would help. If those 3 teenagers. Were taken down to the Morgue. And were shown the body of that poor woman that was found floating in the river.
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey ((kpage)), I think ((Hardcorps)) has been drinking too much Old Grand Dad! *LOL
Posted by drawpaintsing (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think that's a little too harsh, obama...
I remember seeing a woman laying in the road after being hit by a car. Her body was twisted. It was obvious she was broken up. I couldn't sleep for a couple days, because I saw that when I closed my eyes. I wasn't graphic, but the thought of seeing someone dead, was a litting too much for me.
I believe that with the strong cold water, the public and statewide attention along with embarrasement, the charges they may have, the reaction they will get from school, and the punishment from their parents, they have learned their lesson.
Posted by DUCKHUNTER (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I wouldn't say these kids were stupid, just undisciplined and no guidance. They did a stupid thing, but it doesn't mean that they are stupid. They should be punished due to the fact that they did do a stupid thing, BUT THAT'S THE WORLD WE LIVE IN TODAY; WANT TO BE "COOL" DO SOMETHING STUPID AND IT GETS PUT ON TV.
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ijohnson, we're just old poots. Thats all... Remember this 'un?
I wish I looked before I leaped,
I didn't know it was so deep.
Been down so far I'm soakin' wet,
And I haven't touched the bottom yet.
This river scene is getting old,
I'm hungry, sleepy, wet and cold.
She told me to forget it nice,
I should have taken her advice.
I only want to go on home,
I'll gladly leave that girl alone.
What a way to spend the night,
If I don't drown, I'll die of fright.
My pappy taught me how to float,
But I can't swim a single note.
He threw me in to teach me how,
I stayed there floating like a momma cow
And now I've floated way down stream,
I know this has got to be a dream.
If I could find my way to shore,
I'd never do this any more.
They give you three, I been down nine,
And going down one more time.
Goin' down, goin' down.
Now the sky is getting light,
And everything wil be alright,
I think I've finally got the knack,
Just floating lazy on my back.
I never really liked that town,
I think I'll ride the river down,
Just moving slow and floating free,
This river swinging under me.
Waving to the folks on shore,
I should have thought of this before.
I'll float on down to New Orleans,
And pick up on some swinging scenes,
I'm gonna know a better day,
I'll go down groovin' all the way.
Goin' down, goin' down.
Posted by artist (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This tells you alot about Dr. Bernard Boca. I will consider putting my health in his hands in the future.
He really believe in saving a life to any extreme. The rescuers were all brave and compassionate to be willing to give their life to save another.
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
((OldGrandDad)) I'm afraid I'm not familiar with that one but it's a good one!!!
Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I do not think it is harsh at all ESPECIALLY when there is a picture of both of them wading into the river with smiles on their faces.
They should be punished by law! They put themselves and the rescuers in danger. And now they have made everyone else suffer since the Vidalia Riverfront is now closed.
They should be taken over to the morgue and have to stare at the body of the woman found.
Posted by DUCKHUNTER (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That's a pretty good idea (obama), but that kind of trama is best left for the coroner.
Posted by PIangel (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank You to all our heros who have steped in to rescue all the people who just do not think first or just get to close ! what i wanna know is why they do not have some kinda rescue rope and things in some places by the river on the walk so that even when the river is down if someone falls in their is tools there to make a safe on shore rescue Just thinking it might be good idea
Posted by GopherBaroque (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
God made them jump in the river so they could learn a lesson. And then he pulled them out by taking over Boka's body so no body would realize it was him.
Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well done to the rescuers - Mr. Adkinson and the others. The kids were stupid - but stupidity is not illegal (fortunately - as there seems to be a lot of stupid people) To compare them to the kids that stole the ATV's (which was also stupid) but it was illegal and all kids know stealing is wrong.
Many kids think they are immortal, sometimes they do stupid things - often they are lucky and no harm results. Sometimes it ends tragically. I am glad everyone is safe, hopefully this will be a lesson that the river is dangerous.
Probably the next time the river gets this high a new generation of kids be be here, this incident will be a distant memory. Maybe we should create folklore of the kids swept away by the flood of 2008 as a warning to the next generation (suitably embellished for effect).
Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So what if everyone would have been killed Gopher, I guess then you would have said it was God's will huh? God made them do, God made everything... what an easy answer to every question on earth, regardless of science or a person's stupidity, God did it.
It must be so easy to live a life where everything is based on one single answer, God. You realize Gopher, that you aren't giving Boka any credit for saving lives, you are giving it to God.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
go chill out obamas mama.
Posted by daris (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would like to commend the men that saved these teenagers life. Yes they should be punish, yes kids will be kids but these are kids that know better. Just last week the Mayor had in the paper to watch your kids and don't assume that they could wade in the water because of the currents. That was just plain stupid. The sad part about it they might still think it's a joke. But they should be thanking God and the men that saved them. Thank God one of these men didn't lose their life because of their stupidty. These kids think that they are beyond anything these days. So for the ones that said kids will be kids is the reason why some of them do stupid things because we as adults sometimes let them get away with so much.
Posted by iomo (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 12:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ok, the kids were being stupid. Maybe this will serve as a reminder to parents to tell their kids about the danger of the river currents.
Posted by PIangel (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
wow everyone here has a right to say what they think as well as you obamas but do not insult people I think God has something to do with everything I think in this story he made sure all made it to shore safe Good Job to the rescue again you have gutts than most.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You are so right Plangel....shedevil must be atheist with those comments.
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Is shedevil and obama one of the same???
Posted by trulyblessed (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 12:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I must disagree with you Plangel. GOD is not responsible for all that we do in our life. But the is responsible when you are brought out of a particular situation. GOD did not tell those little stuid, ignorant, fools to jump into the river. But GOD did send some angels to rescue those fools. I feel that those boys should be punished for their actions. Give them some type of community service. Ill patients had to wait at the clinic because the doctor was willing to risk his life to save those drenched in stupidity.
Posted by birdy (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Actually, OBAMA - life IS much easier when you place things in God's hands. You should try it some time. But I do also think that people should be held accountable for their own actions. God gave us all this thing called free will. Sometimes we use that free will to do good things, like Dr. Boka and the other two heroic rescuers - and sometimes the decisions we make aren't all that smart, like Michael and his friends. I don't think any of us can honestly say that we haven't made stupid decisions in life - especially in our youth. Some just prove to be more stupid then others. I'm just thankful that the stupid decisions I've made didn't end up as front page news. Also, I doubt seriously that these boys will use this for "bragging rights". This is something that they'll wish they could forget but will never be able to live down. I doubt seriously that they are very proud of themselves right now.
As for DUCKHUNTER - "undisciplined" and "no guidance”? I happen to know Michael’s mother and step-father very well and know that they have done their best in raising Michael. They are both good, Christian people who have dedicated their lives to their children and its unfair for you or anyone else to blame them or the other parents for what these kids did. As a parent, you teach your child right from wrong from the beginning in hopes that when they are older, they will make the right decisions.
Posted by trulyblessed (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)
oops, please excuse my typing errors.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)
oops my bad fire....I meant obama and his mama.
sorry she
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hmmmmm . . . okay!!!! *LOL
Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'd just like to say...WOOOHOOO Dr. Boca, Lee Miley, and Brent Atkinson! Way to go!
These men are HEROs! Pies and casseroles ladies! A key to the city, Mr. Mayor!
Instead of focusing negatively on the kids, Dr. Boca, Lee Miley, and Brent Atkinson should be praised and thanked for saving the teenage children.
The kids were ignorant about the river. They need to be educated. The kids should be charged with ignorance. As their punishment, they should be made to do a 5 page report on the river, having to research it and list resources. They should also be forced to go and view the bloated body that was pulled from the river, not too long ago, that is still being identified and taught the process of how that is accomplished.
Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe they should put up a sign between the river and the sidewalk across from Riverpark...
Three stupid kids jumped in here and had to be rescued...Dr. Boca of Riverpark Afterhours clinic had to take off work to save them, along with 2 other adults, Lee Miley and Brent Atkinson.
Posted by PIangel (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Read my coment again trulyblessed I said God as something to do with everything. not Responsible For All We DO IN OUR LIFES.In no way did i mean that God told them to do something stupid Please read and reread comments if you must before you comment on what you think someone said .
Posted by wifetoone (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I want to know who took the pictures,cause they made sure that they got the smiles on their faces!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey sayitloud, I said "chill out" in 1986, can't you come up with something more up to date? Oh, wait, I forgot where you live (in the world where nothing changes, everyone places their fate in some supreme being with no supporting evidence of existance, and stupid kids go and play in one of the UNIVERSE'S strongest and largest rivers when it is at the second highest flood level on record!!!)
Good people like these rescuers (Dr. Boca, Lee Miley, and Brent Atkinson) should be recognized and praised, NOT GOD!
As for the dumb kids, well, like I said before, now they have bragging rights that they swam in the MS River and almost killed themselves and 3 other wonderful people (something to really be proud of).
Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And I am not athiest, as you should know SAYITLOUD, more exist besides black and white. People can still believe in a supreme being and not believe in GOD (God is the principal or sole deity in religions and other belief systems that worship one deity). Athiesm is to not believe in anything. Why dont you spend some time googling such facts as this AND ACTUALLY LEARN SOMETHING instead of leaving second grade level comments in the ND.
Posted by wifetoone (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
obamayamama you are right about bragging rights like I said earlier, before they got dried off good they were calling or texting someone about what they had just done. Look for me on the front page of the paper. And their story will not be about that they were scared s&*^less after someone saved their UNGRATEFUL SELF!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ok, ok, ok...the Devil tempted the kids to jump in the river, God gave the kids the free will choice of whether or not to succumb to the temptation...they made the wrong choice...God saved them by having compassionate people respond to the emergency. If the adults would have made the choice not to respond, the kids would have drowned and the headlines today would be different along with the comments.
Thank God there are still compassionate and caring people.
So, they closed the riverfront because of this incident and when the river goes down they will reopen the riverfront...So, what's to keep ignorant kids from making ignorant choices when the river is down?
I remember a few days ago someone posted that they had come upon a couple allowing their child to swim at the edge of the river, and when they attempted to tell them about the currents, the father said the child knows how to swim. I took it that they were tourists...the tourists don't realize the dangers of the river...
Sign, sign everywhere a sign
Blocking out the scenery breaking my mind
Do this don't do that can't you read the sign?
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Personally If I was pulled from a raging river after doing something stupid I do believe I would be smiling too, out of thankfulness to God for sending rescuers.
Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah, I am sure the first thing these kids did was drop to the ground and thank God they were alive. I agree with wifetoone, first thing they did was text their friends and tell them about the big news.
Kids these days aren't grateful, if these kids were grateful, they would have never put themselves in danger (they would have realized what their "Christian" parents would have had to go through having lost them). They may have thanked God for a couple of minutes but only out of selfishness that they did not die.
Posted by wifetoone (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The first picture you see, their shirts are not wet except at the bottom, I think this was before they were pulled from the raging river
Posted by themmyboys (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
micheal cupstid and AUSTIN BURR are my best friends they were having fun til it went bad... so what yall quit hatin.. you wish you would have done it .. we are glad they are ok and even more excited on that they DID IT !!! well i just thought i would let you know ... and i am one of the girls that were there .. and they didnt text us .. my girl called and was terrified .. and it was great accomplishment for them and not everyone believes in God .. i just want everyone to know the 16 year old is Private AUSTIN D. BURR I LOVE YOU!!!!
Posted by PIangel (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
lol yep yep yep lol we are all right and all wroung about something lol
Posted by shere05 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I do not live in the area anymore but I still have family there and I do keep up with the news around there. What happened to the "good ole days" when the worst prank was putting soap in the town's fountain. This was a serious mistake on the teens' part and THEY should be punished, but both towns of Natchez and Vidalia should not be punished; which is exactly what closing down the Riverfront does. It's a very sad situation.
Posted by themmyboys (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
it needed to be closed down anyway so dont blame the "teens" which they do have a name .. michael(17) and austin(16)
Posted by wifetoone (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
THEMMYBOYS :JUST HOW OLD ARE YOU?
Posted by wifetoone (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Did you not try to talk them out of doing something so dangerous.
Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank God, THE SUPREME BEING, THE GREAT SPIRIT, THE CREATOR OF ALL THINGS, THE ONE WORTHY OF PRAISE, that there are still compassionate people who will risk their lives to save someone else. God known by many names, is still God.
Just like Jesus said:
Our Father Who Art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from all evil, for Thou art the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory...forever and ever.
Posted by supermom (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Themmyboys, would you have been as excited if they had not been able to be rescued??? What if they would have died???? Would you still be glad they had done it?
I personally don't wish I had done it, I have a little more sense than to put myself in danger.
Teenagers need to remember that they are not indestructable.
You said that this was an ACCOMPLISHMENT for them???? OMG>>>>>>>>> It was an accomplishment that they had to be rescued and they could have died?? I would hope that they would want to be remembered for something more worthwhile when their days on earth are done.
Posted by themmyboys (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i'm 28 and those kids ate enough water to have people mad at them for closing the river walk.. what would you rather them do jump off the bridge.. I THINK NOT!!!!
Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As I have learned throughout my life "you can't win an arguement with a stupid person". THEMMYBOYS, that is not fun, it is STUPID! And for you to brag that they are your friends makes you look just as stupid as them.
WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD ANYONE BE PROUD OF DOING SUCH A THING? IT is the same reason of why gang members are proud to kill innocent people in order to be a part of a gang, STUPIDITY! Maybe one day when you reach puberity, you will understand.
"Yall quit hatin", "you wish you would have done it", "my girl called"... where is this vocabulary development coming from? I thought Vidalia had good schools. Why does everyone want to be cool by talking like this? Is this really what this generation is coming to?
I sure wish there was another planet I could move to where more intelligent life forms existed. As of right now, there is no way I am bring any kids up in a world where hoodlems like this are going to be running this country.
Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
THEMMYBOYS, shouldn't you be in school instead of defending your dumb friends Michael (AKA DuMB) and Austin (AKA DumBer)?
Did you fail English? I know Hathaway is gone but come on!
Posted by shere05 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The fact that some people see this act as an "accomplishment" is all that needs to be said. As I stated, it's a very sad situation.
Posted by wifetoone (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
In the minute it took you to laugh at what they were doing ,The next minute you would be crying,because what if there had not been anyone around to HELP>
Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would rather them be doing something like GETTING READY FOR COLLEGE!!!! Maybe they could do something constructive with their time instead of wading into...
It is no use... cant win an arguement with a stupid person.
I am just glad I do not live there anymore.... unbelievable...
Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
LOL, obamayamama. hahaha.
Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Where do you live now obamayamama?
Posted by themmyboys (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 2:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
1. We dont go to Vidalia schools so stop blaming schools.
2. Teens will be teens.
3. Noone talks correct grammar in this day and age. havent you noticed?
obviously not.
4. They did not kill anyone so stop comparing them to a gang.
5. Puberty?learn how to spell it. how about you go and talk about someone elses grammar.
everyone on here is probably older than all of us and everyone is going all immature about it and arguing over stupid little things. want to talk about bringing kids up in this world? those two boys will soon be serving your country.
GET OVER IT!!
if everyone is so mature on here then you should all know it isnt nice to call people stupid and everything yall have said. talk about God? maybe you people should go read your bibles and what is the golden rule we've always been taught throughout our lives? "dont say nothing if you aint got nothing nice to say"
maybe everyone should look at the point that ALL TEENS NOW DAYS EVEN YOURS DO STUPID THINGS LIKE THIS. EVEN IF THEY DONT GET CAUGHT.
Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 2:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, at least ole Dumb (Michael) and Dumber (Austin) are safe. Now, I guess they are heros of the town for being so courageous. Looks like they have at least one 28 year old fan (themmyboys).
Maybe next time, they will gain National Headlines for jumping off the bridge.
Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
blah blah blah themmyboys... hopefully you will never pass on your ingorance to any offspring. It would be best to stop with just you.
Posted by themmyboys (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
GO READ YOUR BIBLE AND STOP WASTING YOUR PRECIOUS TIME CALLING PEOPLE DUMB.
GOOD DAY!!
Posted by themmyboys (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
FOR EVERYONE WHO HAS SAID LAUGHING. THOSE BOYS ARE OUR HEARTS AND SOULS NOONE WAS LAUGHING. MAYBE YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE ONES STANDING BY THE AMBULANCE AND BESIDE THEM WHILE THEY WERE LAYING ON THE GROUND.
SCHOOL? IM NOT IN SCHOOL. OBVIOUSLY.
STOP BEING SO IMMATURE ABOUT ALL OF THIS.
ITS OVER AND DONE WITH THEY MADE A DECISION THAT WAS STUPID AND COULD HAVE TAKEN THEIR LIVES YES BUT THEY ARE OKAY AND WERE VERY THANKFUL TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED SAVE THEM.
EVERYONE HAS OPINIONS BUT SOME SHOULD BE LEFT UNSAID.
Posted by wifetoone (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I wish I would have been there because I would have slapped them in the head for doing something so stupid. Or maybe that was there one attempt not to serve our country.
Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 2:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
NOONE is not a word, try no one or nobody
HAHA! Yeah, obviously you ARENT in school, have you ever been? HA! Maybe it would be a good idea to attend sometime.
It's all over and done with except for people who want to go to the Riverfront and can't now since Dumb and Dumber entered the scene.
The opinions that should be left unsaid are your own. You are the idiot for supporting these characters and actually presenting them as heros!
If you were there for the end of this episode when they were oh so scared, where you there in the beginning taking the snapshots of them WADING IN THE RIVER WITH SMILES ON THEIR FACES!!!!!!???????
Your ignorance leaves a fowl taste in my mouth. IF these kids would have something more constructive to do with their time (such as study, sports, ANYTHING)....uhhh... unbelievable!!
Posted by thick1982 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
my whole thing is the black and white issue. Let it would have been black kids. The comments who have been so racist and people wouldn't cared but its white kids and people want to get mad for comments that say there are stupid.
Posted by themmyboys (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ACTUALLY WE HAVE SLAPPED THEM FOR IT ALREADY.
and then hugged their necks because they are okay and no it wasnt an attempt not to serve our country those boys have their hearts and souls set on serving our country it just sucks that they want to do it for all of the ignorant ones on here also. they made a decision that wasnt smart i agree they dont think before they act. but it was one hell of a scare for them so everyone needs to stop with their ranting and raving because im done here.
Posted by racehorse (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You should be done with it.
Posted by wifetoone (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BUT WHY DID YOU HAVE TO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THINK THINK THINK
Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
how many times are you going to threaten us that you are finished? Please be on your way. Go and start a support fan club for your heroic buddies (Dumb and Dumber)!!!
HAH!
Posted by themmyboys (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
the riverfront had already been closed!! get over it! and no we werent taking pictures it was all the idiots around them encouraging them to do it. we did not come until we got the call they were being rescued. are you seriously arguing over a computer. find something constructive to do with your time rather than talk about what they should do.
good bye
Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"everyone needs to stop with their ranting and raving because im done here"... uhh why does it matter if "You are done here", this isn't about you. Although I have learned today that some people just haven't mentally evolved as well as others.
Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That's her problem, she cant THINK THINK THINK!!! She doesn't have the mental capacity. Look at what she wrote just a few minutes ago:
micheal cupstid and AUSTIN BURR are my best friends they were having fun til it went bad... so what yall quit hatin.. you wish you would have done it .. we are glad they are ok and even more excited on that they DID IT !!! well i just thought i would let you know ... and i am one of the girls that were there .. and they didnt text us .. my girl called and was terrified .. and it was great accomplishment for them and not everyone believes in God .. i just want everyone to know the 16 year old is Private AUSTIN D. BURR I LOVE YOU!!!!
Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 2:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hahah!! This has for sure made me laugh today. What an idiot!
Posted by overthehill60 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 2:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well looks like we can add another name to out "STUPID LIST" -- ((themmyboys))
The username ((themmyboys)) sounds like the person is either very slow or like ((obamayamama)) is saying very uneducated. Apparently by the time the comment was posted they were not in school.
If these were my kids there wouldn't be a computer for them to be making comments on! I just wonder what the parents are doing to punish these idiots.
Let's encourage everyone to keep posting how disgusted we are with their careless ignorance. If they are not shown how we feel we will only add their sick ego trip.
Just from ((themmyboys)) comments the little group sound like they are nothing but trouble making thugs.
Posted by wifetoone (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I read it, It pains me to know that I could not stop my friends from doing something as mindless as this.
Posted by Whisper (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well I think I understand the mentality of the teens after reading "themmyboys" post. "don't be hatin". hum. I really don't think your helping your friends out. And if you came into my place of business, looking for a job. With the way you talk, you would be out of luck. Obviously you do not speak correct grammar. But the most of us do. "My girl", don't you have any pride.
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Was that stunt supposed to be a show of patriotism??? Boy, I feel sorry for our country!
Posted by