Is that a Drug House

Is That A Drug House?
If we are going to stop crime and drugs from taking over our neighborhoods, we must all work together as a team. Without your help and assistance, local law enforcement officers face many restrictions. Your involvement is the key to stopping crime.

Do you have a drug house in your neighborhood?
Drug houses don't just happen in other neighborhoods. There are drug houses in all types of neighborhoods. There are four things that make a drug house:

Product
Buyer
Seller
Location
Most neighborhoods have very little control over Product, Buyer, or Seller. Drug dealers look for locations where neighbors do not communicate and isolate themselves. This makes it easy to intimidate those neighbors that do notice drug activity. Drug dealers like neighborhoods that say "It can't happen here". Money is a key element for the drug dealer. If they establish a drug house in a neighborhood where kids and adults have money to buy drugs, business will thrive.

What are the warning signs of drug activity in the neighborhood?
Do any of these sound familiar?

Excessive foot traffic to and from a house or property
Loitering in or around a house
Frequent and unusual traffic patterns such as Stop-Enter-Leave
Threats of intimidation connected to a residence
Open exchange of drugs and money
Gang activity in the neighborhood
Graffiti on structures in the area
Prevention is the best way to stop drug houses
You can reduce the chance that a drug house moves into your neighborhood. Get to know your neighbors. Meet and know your Police Officers. As problems develop in the neighborhood, work with law enforcement to resolve them quickly.

What should you do if there is a drug house in your neighborhood?
One of the tools of the drug dealer is intimidation. There are safety in numbers.

log all activity connected to the suspected drug house
Talk to a Shawnee Police Officer and give the information to him.
Speak with property owners about problems that the tenants are causing for the neighbors. If you are having problems, the property owner is probably having problems too.
Report all problems to the appropriate agency. Police, Fire, Public Works are just some of the agencies that you may call with problems.

Get to know your neighborhood

Do you feel safe and connected on your neighborhood street,or do you feel
overcrowded, threatened, and otherwise unsafe in your surroundings? This,
and other aspects of neighborhood life, can affect both your level of happiness
and stress. I notice that many of the issues that arise between members
would not have become so problematic if the parties would have taken the time to get to know each other.
Here are some basic thoughts that may help promote community if you give them a chance.
Socializing:
With our busy schedules, we do not see friends as often as we would like. You would be amazed how quickly you could build relationships
with your neighbors by stopping and chatting with them for a few minutes on your way out to your car or while doing yard work.
Security:
Knowing the people around you not only heightens your sense of security, but it actually increases your security! If you need something--whether it’s a cup of sugar when you’re baking cookies,or someone to call the police if they see someone lurking outside your home--it’s nice to know you can
depend on those around you and they can depend on you. If you think about it, it is in your neighbors own best interest to keep an eye on your property.
Home Pride:
Knowing the people who live around you provides a strengthened sense of pride in your home and neighborhood. Coming home just feels nicer. When people feel like they belong to a community, they also take pride in enhancing its appearance.
While you may not be able to change the neighborhood street on which you live, you can change the experience you have on your own neighborhood block by getting more involved with those around you and taking pride in the area in which you live. The following are some ideas that can help you to feel more at home on your block:
Get Out More:
I highly recommend taking a morning or evening walk. It’s a great stress reliever that also allows you to get to know many of your neighbors, get an understanding of who lives where, and feel more at home in your surroundings.
Smile:
It is simple enough,but if you are not in the habit of smiling and giving a friendly hello to the people you encounter in your neighborhood,it’s a good habit to start. While not everyone will return the friendliness immediately, it is a quick way to get to know people and build relationships, even if you have lived close for years and have not really said much to one another.
Talk To Senior Residents:
The more veteran members of the neighborhood often have the inside scoop on the neighborhood. You may be surprised at how much you can learn if you stop and take the time to talk to the sweet old woman at the end of the block,the man who is always sitting on his porch, or even the person who is always meticulously tending to their garden.

Shawnee Animal Shelter Information

Animal Control department in Shawnee
Is located on Highway 177 and just north of Independence St.
on the east side of the road if you are going towards I-40 next to the Shawnee Expo Center.
(405) 878-1531
(405) 273-2121 after hours
They are open from 10:00 AM. until 5:00 pm.  Mon. - Fri. and closed on weekends and holidays.

You can visit the website that takes the photos at http://www.ARCShawnee.org. The pictures of the animals are updated two to three times a week so that you can see them.
 

BOO-ON-BELL

                                                            BOO ON BELL

Fall Family Fun Day Downtown Shawnee, Presented by: Safe Events For Families October, 24, 25, and 26th.

The annual Boo on Bell Fall Festival here in Shawnee celebrates the autumn season with family-friendly activities.  Boo on Bell starts on Friday evening with haunted carriage rides, scary theatre, ghost hunting and more. On Saturday festivities include: Main Street trick-or-treating from 3:30 to 5 and the carnival until 9 p.m.  a car show at 11am, where you can browse through rows of classic, vintage and modern autos. Sign your favorite four-legged friend up for the Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest, or just take him to the park and enjoy the company of other dog lovers.

Boo on Bell Fall Festival really kicks into gear Saturday afternoon with a variety of craft vendors, old-fashioned carnival games, a casket race, local ghost tour and more. Stick around until after the sun goes down for a free scary movie and nighttime Halloween parade. Other activities at Shawnee's Boo on Bell Fall Festival include a fun run, art show, hot dog eating contest, bingo, a costume contest, a hayride, face painting and games.

The 2013 Boo on Bell Street takes place on October 24-26. Activities begin around 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday, with Main Street trick-or-treating from 3:30 to 5 and the carnival until 9 p.m.

https://www.facebook.com/BooOnBell#!/BooOnBell/posts/678956312115578

http://booonbell.com/BooOnBellst.html 

Public Parks In Shawnee

Strickland Park - Kirk and Chapman
Jefferson Circle - Dill and Chapman
Redbud Park - Beard and Dill
Paul Duffield Tennis Complex - 1000 Block North Kennedy
Lions Club Park - Federal and Airport Drive
Mary Maxine Williamson Dog Park - Expo Center
Rose Garden Park - Broadway and Franklin
Wooland Veterans Park - Highland and Broadway
Veterans Memorial - 401 N. Broadway
Tom Terry Park - Main and Broadway
Briscoe Boy Scout Park - Main and Pesotum
Celebration of Life Park - 300 block  E. Main
Centennial Park - E. Main
Wildwood Park - Severn and Park
Farrall Park- Hayes and S. Park
Milstead Park - Harrison and Walnut
Chastain Park - Oakland and S. Harrison
Kidspace Park - 1300 Block N. Center
Kenwood Park - Independence and English Dr.
Larch-Miller Park - Hobson and Bruce
Optimist Park - 34th and Market
Rose Dale Park - Drummond and Philadelphia
Lilac Park - Edward and Patchin
Dean Weigant Park - Leo and Rosa
Dunbar Park - Hayes and S. Oklahoma
Wyatt Park? - 39th and N. Beard
Kiwanis Park - Patterson Road N. of Homer Lane
Glenn Collins Memorial Park - Belcher Road and Homer Lane
Lake No. 2 Park - Belcher and No. 2 Dam Road
Isaac Walton Park - Lake Road Dead End
Twin Lakes Trap Range - Patterson and Hardesty
Mihura Park - Hardesty Dr. and Pine Ridge Rd.
Dockery Ball Park - W. Farrall and Highway 177

Meet the Candidates

The following Candidates will be at our next Neighborhood Watch Meeting on Tuesday, June 11.  At the Wallace Ave. Baptist Church starting at 6:30 PM.

For Mayor
Linda Peterson
Ed Cole
Wesley Mainord

For Ward Two Commissioner
Linda Agee
Joe Davis

For Ward Three Commissioner
James Harrod
Jeannetta Townes

For Ward Four Commissioner
Keith Hall
David Bergsten
Billy J. Collier

County Officers

For County Clerk
Stacie O'Bright-Brown
Raeshel Flewallen

For County Commissioner District No. 2
Frank Sims
Bryan Richards

State Officers

For Corporation Commissioner (full term)
Bob Anthony
Brook Mitchell

Legislative Officers

For State Senator District 17
Ron Sharp
Ernest R. Clark
Mike Jestes
Ed Moore

For State Representative District 26
Justin Freeland Wood
Michael Shaw

STORM SHELTERS IN SHAWNEE

The following are our local storm shelter locations.
Boy Scout Park- Pesotum and Main
Shawnee City Hall- 16 W Ninth   closed
Swquoyah School - Independence and Sequoyah  closed
Shawnee Fire Station #3 MacArthur and Oklahoma  closed
The Sac and Fox tribe has an underground shelter behind the shopping area at 45th and Kickapoo streets.

North Rock Creek School
Shawnee Early Childhood Center, Federal and Airport Drive. Enter on east side door of the safe room/gym.
Immanuel baptist church on 45th off of Harrison. Enter at doors under steeple.


Difference between a storm warning and watch
A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or has been detected by radar. Take shelter immediately.
A tornado watch means that tornado's are possible.

 Shawnee City Hall, fire station number 3 and Sequoia Elementary School will no longer be used as shelters.

What can I do about bullying

This Post is for all of the kids out there that are being bullied.

First and foremost No one deserves to be bullied. If it is happening to you, it is not your fault.

Try to ignore the bullying, Try not to show that you are upset or angry. Make a joke, walk off and join some other kids. For example, if a student makes fun on your clothing, laugh and say, "Yeah, I think this shirt is kind of funny-looking, too."
Bullies love to get a reaction - it's 'fun'. If you can keep calm and hide your emotions, they might get bored and leave you alone. As one teenager said, 'they can't bully you if you don't care'. The bully wants you to be afraid and to look afraid and upset. Sometimes when bullies don't get you to be afraid, they will stop.
Try to stay away from the bully. Bullies like power and control. They feel more powerful when you are alone. Avoid areas of the school where there are not many students or teachers around. Don't bring expensive things or lots of money to school. Take a different route through hallways or walk with friends or a teacher to your classes.
If you need help, don't be embarrassed about asking. Everyone needs help sometimes and asking for help to stop bullying doesn't mean that you are weak or a failure.

If you are being bullied, tell a friend, Ask him or her to help you. It will be harder for the bully to pick on you if you have a friend with you for support.
Write down the details of the incidents and your feelings. When you do decide to tell someone, a written record of the bullying makes it easier to prove what has been going on.
Tell a teacher and tell your parents.
Tell Someone! Make people listen to you and don't take no for an answer. It won't stop unless you do. It can be hard to do this so if you don't feel you can do it in person it might be easier to write a note to your parents explaining how you feel, or perhaps confide in someone outside the immediate family, like a grandparent, aunt, uncle or cousin and ask them to help you tell your parents what's going on. I know that this does not cover all aspects of bullying but I do hope that it helps some.

Back to School Safety

Bus Stops
• Know your bus number.
• Stay in a group while waiting for the
bus.
• Do not play in the street. Stay on the
sidewalk or grass.
• Wait for the bus to completely stop
before approaching it.
• Look both ways before crossing the
street to get on the bus.
• Stay seated while on the bus and keep
hands and head inside the windows.
• If someone offers you a ride, say NO.
• A parent could be at the bus stop
before and after school for extra safety.

Biking To School
• Bright colored clothing will make you more
visible to drivers.
• Always wear a bicycle helmet.
• Backpacks should be tight on the upper back
and not dragging on the rear tire.
• Respect traffic lights and stop signs.
• Ride on the right, going the same direction as
traffic.
• Use appropriate hand signals.
For Parents … Vehicle Traffic
• While driving, be more aware of the speed
limits in your neighborhood and around
schools.
• Observe the sides of the roadway, watching for
children walking and biking.
• Give children right-of-way in crosswalks and
school zones.
• Avoid backing your vehicle at schools.
• Children should exit to the right side of the
vehicle.
• Do not leave until your child is completely on
school property.

House fire listed as 600 W kirk

9:45 structure fire on the corner of Popular and Pottenger.  This house has been vacant for several years.  The back part of the home was on fire as well as the pool.  Several of the fire trucks were called in. I will try to post some Pict's. We also had a car fire just down the street about 3 weeks ago it was a mechanical problem.

                                                 photos by Anita

Teaching you children about 911

The three-digit telephone number "9-1-1" has been designated as the "Universal Emergency Number," for citizens throughout the United States to request emergency assistance.

Remember that you don't need any money to call 9-1-1 on any pay phone.

Stay calm and Speak clearly
Listen carefully to the Dispatchers questions and answer each question carefully.
Verbally answer all questions. Remember the Dispatcher cannot see your hand or head gestures, signs or motions.
State your emergency.
State your address - IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO VERIFY THE ADDRESS
STAY ON THE LINE
Do not hang up until the Dispatcher tells you it is OK to do so. They may need to ask additional questions regarding the emergency or an EMS dispatcher may give your instructions to help stabilize the patient before the ambulance gets to your location.
Follow the instructions of the Dispatcher and remain calm.
If you can, stay by the phone in case the 9-1-1 call-taker needs to call you back.

Here are some of the questions the dispatcher may ask you if you are reporting a crime in progress:
Give a brief description of what occurred.
Where exactly did the incident occur? Include building and room/area.
How long ago did the incident occur?
Did the suspect(s) have any weapons?
Which direction was the suspect headed?
Was the suspect on foot or in a vehicle?
What did the suspect(s) look like? Describe each suspect one at a time.
Gender
Race
Age
Height; Weight
Hair Color; Length
Clothing
Glasses/Facial Hair
Was the suspect carrying anything?
Vehicle Description, Color, Make, Model, License Plate


To help your child remember important numbers, keep a current list of lifeline numbers next to the phone. Print it in big letters so that if your child still has difficulty identifying the numbers, they can just look at the numbers and locate them on the keypad.

Have your child practice on an unplugged phone. They can dial 911 and you can be the call-taker. Ask them questions about the pretend incident. Do this kind of role-playing repeatedly. Kids like make-believe and repetition.

If you are teaching your children about 9-1-1, consider the following:

• First, it is important that your child be taught their address and telephone number.
• Secondly, make sure your child can physically reach at least one telephone. Wall mounted telephones can be unreachable for really small children.
• Discuss with your child any situations that may be unique to them. This could include an elderly live-in relative; younger sibling; or any other unique factor that the child might encounter.
• The 911 service is for emergencies. It is important to teach your child not to play with or misuse 9-1-1
• Always refer to the number as "nine-one-one" not "nine-eleven." In an emergency your child may be confused when they can't find the "eleven" button on your telephone.

  If you would like to arrange to have your child call 9-1-1 for real, as part of your training program, please call the dispatch center at  273-2121 and let the dispatcher know you are training your child about 9-1-1. Ask the dispatcher if they have time to handle a 9-1-1 test call from your child before you place that 9-1-1 call.

Where to recycle in Shawnee

Books
Faith 7 301 S. Kennedy
Shawnee Public Library 101 N. Philadelphia
South Central Industries 130 N. Louisa
Public Safety Center HWY 177

Cans (aluminum)
Allied Recycling Homeland at Independence
Ball Pipe 701 E. Hardesty Road
Faith 7 301 S. Kennedy
South Central Workshop 130 N. Louisa

Cardboard
Faith 7 301 S. Kennedy
South Central Workshop 130 N. Louisa­

Household items, books, clothing, accessories, furniture, small appliances (clean and in working order)
Salvation Army Thrift Store 330 E. 9th
Goodwill Industries 733 E. Independence

Plastic containers (milk jugs, soda bottles)
Allied Recycling, Inc. Homeland at Independence

Paper (newspaper and office paper)
Allied Recycling Homeland at Independence
Faith 7 301 S. Kennedy
Staples 4737 N Kickapoo
South Central Workshop 130 N. Louisa
Shawnee Senior Center 400 N. Bell

911 What Is your Address?

The following are 10 suggestions that may help emergency personnel better locate your home:


1. House numbers should be at least four inches high on the front of your house, near the front door where a “lit” porch light makes them visible from the street.

2. Numbers “could” be located on your porch roof support post next to your steps. If this method is used, keep trees and shrubs trimmed from hiding your numbers.

3. Numbers “should not” be just located on curbs or step risers. Snow, leaves or vehicles could obscure the numbers.

4. One inch high numbers are not recommended because they are hard to see at a distance under adverse conditions. These are good for roadside mailboxes.

5. Homeowners with trees and shrubs may want to place two sets of numbers on their property.

6. Homeowners that have alleys to the rear of their property may want to consider numbers on a fence or garage. The police may find it necessary to approach your home from the alley in an emergency.

7. Never paint over your house numbers - it camouflages them.

8. A porch light costs pennies per night to operate, and it illuminates your address numbers. It may even keep burglars and thieves away.

9. Put your address numbers on your trashcans. It adds to marking your home for emergency personnel. Every little bit helps.

10. When calling for emergency assistance, give a brief description of your home, i.e., a blue house with black shutters, green Chevy in the driveway. Make sure you repeat your address back to make sure the operator knows you live at 1234 Somewhere Road, not one block over on 1234 Somewhere Place.

Missing From Shawnee Teen found

Cody has been found safe and has been removed from the National Crime Information Center's missing persons database. Cody was located on Tuesday and he is fine

CODY BRANDON JILES: MISSING FROM SHAWNEE SINCE, FEBRUARY 28, 2009.
AGE 18
BROWN HAIR
GREEN EYES
6 FEET 2 INCHES TALL
ABOUT 175 POUNDS

Last seen wearing black pants, White shoes, and a black Metallica T-Shirt.
If you have any information please contact the Shawnee Police Department at (405)273-2121 or
The family at (405)808-5460 or (918)290-0357

WNW Calendar

Shawnee and Tecumseh area Transportation

Central Oklahoma Transit System
1-800-256-5940 or 273-3000
Provides transpportation to schools, Vocational technical centers, medical appointments, shopping or special events.
Children under the age of 12 ride free but must be accompanied by an adult. Parents must provide all child safety seats.
Rides must be booked 24 hours in advance
$3 Per ride in Shawnee and Seminole city limits.

7AM - 5 Pm
Monday - Friday
Oklahoma, Pottawatome and Seminole Counties

7Am - 8 PM
Monday - Friday
Shawnee Only

8Am- 5Pm
Saturday in Shawnee Only

The Citizen Pottawatomi Nation now offers public transportation in the Tecumseh and Shawnee Areas. For no charge.
For more information call: 878-4833
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
They have 1 handicap accessible bus and 2 mini vans
You will need to call 24 hours in advance to schedule your transportation date.
They will transport outside of the Tecumseh and Shawnee areas for medical purposes up to 65 miles for a charge of $25.00.

Free Tax Preparation

Need help doing your taxes? Free tax help is being offered by COCAA, RSVP, and the IRS
Location: 108 E Main Street
Shawnee, Ok Across the street from Pott. County Bookstore
Time: Thursdays 9am-4pm
Saturdays 9am-3pm
Call 878-1512 for an Appointment or for more information.

Crosswalk Safety tips

Pedestrians:

Always cross at marked crosswalks. You forfeit your rights as a pedestrian if you cross elsewhere.

Obey any pedestrian signals and look left-right-left to make sure the road is clear in both directions before crossing.

If a vehicle approaches, make eye contact with the driver to be sure he/she sees you before you cross.

Look before walking past stopped vehicles. Do not cross just because a driver waves you on. Be sure all lanes are clear first.

Remember that bicyclists are not considered pedestrians unless they are walking their bikes. Otherwise, they are considered vehicles.

Drivers:

Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections

Be prepared to stop at all marked crosswalks. Stay alert and reduce speed in areas with crosswalks

Be alert for bicyclists and skateboarders whose approaches to the crosswalk may be much swifter than those of pedestrians.

Come to a complete stop if pedestrians are crossing or preparing to cross.

Wait until pedestrians have crossed at least one lane past the lane you are in before resuming travel.

Never pass another vehicle that has stopped or is slowing down at a crosswalk.

Gang Definitions

What is considered a gang? Well a gang is a GROUP. A gang can be defined as a gathering of three or more people in one place, that has a name, has a leader, and that meets on a regular basis, and claims a geographic area.


The Federal Definition of a gang is "an ongoing group, club, organization, or association of five or more persons. So one could say that the woman's axillary at the local church is a gang, or that a neighborhood watch is also one, or the schools PTA. Now what is the difference?

Good Gangs vs Bad Ones

Good gangs:
The above mentioned examples are considered a group of persons working together having an informal and usually close social relations. They gather together with a common goal in mind. The woman's axillary to help promote social activities in the church, putting together a quilt, or a cookbook. The Neighborhood watch was formed to put an end to criminal activity in their neighborhoods. The schools PTA was formed for the benefit of the school children. All three examples each form a gang to help promote the betterment of the community.

Bad Gangs:

Oklahoma's definition of a gang goes like this "Criminal street gang that specifically either promotes, sponsors, or assists in, or participates in, and requires as a condition of membership or continued membership, the commission of one or more criminal acts"

A street gang member: is any person who actively participates in criminal gang activity, and who willfully promotes, furthers, or assists in any felonious criminal activity.
Or a group of two or more individuals who share an on-going relationship with one another and support of each other individually or collectively, in the reoccurring commission of delinquent and criminal acts.

Gang members use names other than their given or birth name that describe their individual traits. Their gang name is usually a description of where they are from. The gang is usually territorial and will defend their turf, often trying to expand that area, with graffiti, marking and defining the lines of their territory. Most individual gang members will dress the same way or as close as possible, to show who they are and they will "throw" gang signs.
So these gangs mark up our neighborhoods with graffiti, have gang tattoos, wear the same type of clothing or color, "throw" hand gang signs in public to communicate with each other, and make people afraid of them.

This is the difference between Good gangs and Bad gangs

Past Gang Definitions:


In 1912 a gang was defined as one of the three primary social groups formed in response to deep seated but unconscious needs.


In 1927 a gang was defined as a group formed spontaneously and then integrated through conflict.


in 1982 a gang is a group of lawbreakers who are primarily around violence and other illegal activities.

Profile of a Tagger

Is Your Child's Name All Over Town?

Some indications that your child may be a tagger are:

1. Your child stays out until early morning or all night.
2. Your child frequently wears a large backpack or baggy pants.
3. Clothing may be paint-stained.
4. Packs and loose clothing can be used to hold paint cans or carry graffiti tools.
5. Your child carries tools used for etching glass, such as hole punches, rocks, glass cutters, screwdrivers, awls, metal scribes, or other sharp objects. (Your child may not be able to explain exactly why he/she has this in their possession.)
6. Your child has taken up the hobby of ink marking.
7. Your child has large quantities of magic markers, shoe polish containers, or other devices used for drawing.
8. Your child sleeps during the day and is active outdoors at night.
9. Your child has paint on the tips of his/her fingers.
10. Your child frequently has permanent marker stains on his/her hands.
11. Your child has graffiti magazines, fliers, a "piece" book, or other portfolio of tags.
12. Your child possesses large quantities of "my name is" stickers or other large stickers used for "sticker tagging."
13. Your child is in possession of graffiti paraphernalia, such as markers, etching tools, spray paint, bug spray, and starch cans. The bug spray cans are used to make tags that will only show up in the rain.
14. Your child is in the age group statistically associated with tagging: ages 12 to 18 (sometimes older).
15. Your child has graffiti displays or tags on clothing, binders, backpack, and the underside of the bill of their hat. Tags you see on the walls of your neighborhood are seen on your child’s walls, books, and clothing.
16. Your child is frequently deceitful about his/her activities.
17. Your child has quantities of paint in cans, but does not have the income to afford it.
18. Your child associates with other children with the traits described above.
19. Your child’s Internet web browser has bookmarks to graffiti advocate websites.
20. Your child has photographs of graffiti and tags on walls that look familiar to you.
21. Your child actively reads the alternate graffiti news group website.
Remember that taggers come from every race, religion, social group, as well as from every socioeconomic status.