LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Members of a group that was formed to address violence and panhandling in Whiteclay say they’re trying to fix the problems but need more time.

The group released a statement Thursday asking for the public’s patience. Members joined forces after Gov. Pete Ricketts encouraged local residents to seek a solution to the issues in the village next to South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

Whiteclay’s four beer stores sold the equivalent of 3.5 million cans of beer last year despite having only a dozen full-time residents. Critics blame the town for high rates of alcoholism and fetal alcohol syndrome within the Oglala Sioux Tribe.

Whiteclay grocer Lance Moss says members are discussing how to deal with health and safety issues, law enforcement, abandoned buildings and people loitering in the street.