Parents gathered at Pershing County High School on Monday evening for a frank and practical discussion on youth drug trends, part of an ongoing effort to strengthen communication between families, schools, and law enforcement. The session, hosted by the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Team (Tri-DENT), focused on giving parents up-to-date information on the substances showing up in rural Nevada and the warning signs adults should be watching for in their teens.
Tri-DENT officers Sergeant Dunkhorst and Detective Logan led the presentation, offering clear explanations of emerging issues such as counterfeit pills, fentanyl, vaping devices, THC oils, and newer synthetic substances law enforcement is now encountering in Pershing, Humboldt, and Lander counties. The officers emphasized that today’s challenges look very different from what previous generations faced and that staying informed is one of the most important ways adults can protect kids.
The evening also included guidance on how families can navigate online rumors, understand the local landscape, and begin conversations at home. Officers shared practical tools for parents, including how to recognize behavioral changes, what physical red flags might indicate exposure, and how shifts in friendships, secrecy, or school engagement can be early indicators that something is wrong.
School administrators Mr. Reynolds and Mrs. Murphy attended in support of the countywide prevention effort, noting that keeping children safe requires close partnership between schools, families, and the broader community. Their presence underscored the district’s ongoing commitment to communication and proactive education.
Organizers expressed appreciation to Nanny Joe’s, the Mustang Youth Team, Frontier Community Coalition, and all who helped coordinate and promote the event. One attendee, Stephanie Minor, also went home as the winner of a $100 gift card, a light moment in an evening otherwise focused on serious but necessary topics.
While the conversation was direct, the tone throughout the night remained hopeful. Officers and school leaders stressed that early awareness, honest dialogue, and community involvement can make a measurable difference in keeping young people safe. The meeting, they said, was just one step in a broader, long-term effort to ensure families have the information and support they need.
A companion resource, “Five Warning Signs Every Parent Should Watch For,” was also shared with attendees, highlighting behavioral shifts, physical red flags, secrecy, vaping devices, and school disengagement as key indicators to take seriously.
Organizers say additional educational sessions will be offered as needed, and families are encouraged to reach out to school staff or law enforcement with questions or concerns.
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