Let's take a look at what's happened lately. A rural Williamsburg couple was beaten, with one of the individuals dying as a result. The fountain in Haley Park in downtown Ottawa was tipped over and broken again. Structures were set on fire Halloween night. A shooting took place Saturday evening behind a downtown Ottawa tavern.
Police say that crime overall is still down, but there have been more high-profile cases.
Law enforcement personnel are doing a good job of apprehending suspects, but they shouldn't be the only ones watching out for our community. It is incumbent on all of us to be the eyes and ears for our community and to report suspicious people or activities to law enforcement officials. The Ottawa Police, Franklin County Sheriff's and Kansas Highway Patrol officers stand ready to protect the public. Monday evening, Kansas Highway Patrol officers were in Ottawa for a poorly attended town hall-style meeting to make a plea for more competitive pay to retain and recruit more officers. Their plea isn't unique to this area or even to this state.