MOTHERS IN VANCLEAVE SEEK SOLUTION TO RAVE PROBLEM

VANCLEAVE (AP) -- A recent alcohol poisoning death has mothers on the
Mississippi Gulf Coast trying to find a solution to the growing problem of
underage drinking and illegal drug use.

Travis Anthony Wooden, 20, who once excelled in basketball and track at
Vancleave High School, died May 8 at a party filled with bottles of alcohol
and drunk teen-agers.

Authorities say raves have become a problem on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
in recent months. The techno-music dance parties with underage drinking and
drug use has mothers at Vancleave High School ready to put a halt to the
events.

"Our innocence is gone," said Sue Bennett, who is helping organize a
meeting for mothers concerned about rave parties. "We are hearing about our
teen-agers planning weekend drinking parties and we are concerned about
drugs like ecstasy and Oxycontin."

The mothers will meet Tuesday at Vancleave High School.

Jackson County Sheriff Mike Byrd said his deputies have investigated teen
drinking parties, conducted undercover operations and task force drug
stings, and also kept up pressure on drug rings.