A story in tonight's Post-Crescent newspaper, "Menasha Teen to Serve 15 Years in Prison for Drive-by Shooting," illustrates how Appleton is tough on crime. An 18-year-old boy, Nhia Vang, fired three shots into a home, threatening the lives of its occupants (fortunately, nobody was hit). In sentencing today, Judge Dee Dyer sent a message by DOUBLING the sentence that the prosecution requested. He sentenced Vang to 15 years in prison and 15 years of extended supervision. District Attorney Carrie Schneider had asked for 8-10 years in jail followed by extended supervision and probation.

In doubling the sentence, Judge Dyer said, "This is not Milwaukee. This is Appleton. This is a safe community and we will not tolerate that behavior. There is no room for leniency in these crimes."

With strong anti-crime judges like Judge Dyer, you can count on Appleton remaining a relatively safe community. But being safe on the average doesn't mean crime free. Three bullets were fired into a home in gang-related crime. Terrible.

I must admit to having mixed feelings about the story, for I know Nhia Vang and his family. Eight years ago he was a nice young man with a great future in front of him. Unfortunately, his family went through serious problems and he got caught up in a Hmong gang. He told the judge he wanted a second chance to straighten out his life, and the judge said that he could have that chance in 15 years. Makes sense to me, and I hope it sends a strong message to other potential criminals, but I am pained for Nhia and his family. I hope he can get the help and support he needs in the future to truly straighten out his life, for I've seen the potential in him to be somebody good.