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Columbus, Neb. leaders to take on gang problem

Associated Press - August 29, 2008 6:25 AM ET

COLUMBUS, Neb. (AP) - Columbus leaders have a plan to address an escalating gang presence.

Local leaders say they've organized a group to counteract that trend and are preparing for a public discussion next month focused on gang awareness and what parents can do.

The meeting will be conducted primarily in Spanish with English translations in an effort to reach out to the Hispanic community.

The effort comes after the Aug. 16 shooting at a mobile home park that left five people wounded. Police say the incident was a confrontation between Mexican street gangs.

Police Chief William Gumm will be among the featured speakers. After the shooting he said he wanted the Hispanic community to spearhead an attitude change about gangs.