Growing up, I remember Officer McGruff (who has a blog), and Smokey Bear.  But what do kids get today?  Why none other than "Willie Weeds", "Trashy Tina", and "Curbside Carla".  At first glace it may appear that they are out to fight drug abuse, poor clothing choices (too late for Britney), and prostitution... but in fact they are out to educate children on how to report local zoning ordinance violations.  No... seriously:

Beware Fayetteville homeowners with trash or old tires in overgrown yards: Children might be watching.

An educational program to teach kids how to spot building and property code violations -- complete with colorful characters such as "Willie Weeds" and "Trashy Tina" -- will be in the hot little hands of local children soon, thanks to Fayetteville city officials.

The program is funded by a federal Community Development Block Grant and corporate sponsors.

The centerpiece of the idea is an activity book listing "Fayetteville's Dirty Dozen." Don't expect Lee Marvin and Charles Bronson to make an appearance, though. Instead, officials expect kids to take their cues from characters like "Willie Weeds," a peace-sign-flashing, Birkenstock-wearing collector of crabgrass and other filthy foliage.

Yolanda Fields, community resources director for the city, said the activity book is intended to educate future homeowners before they develop bad habits. The other benefit, she added, is children can inform their parents.

I'm sure the DEA and NOW are just in love with those character names.  I'm assuming that the children in Fayetteville Arkansas have already mastered reading and writing.  Got to teach those kids something, right?  Via The Agitator.