Union, Nebraska

UNION NEWS
May 20, 2004

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING:
On 12 May, during this month’s meeting of the Union Neighborhood Watch Program, members received an informative brief by a special guest; Lieutenant Burke from the Cass County Sheriff’s Investigations Department. Lieutenant Burke discussed Cass County’s meth problem, a serious dilemma throughout the state and the Midwest, and provided some insight into how to combat drugs in Union. Burke also gave an overview of how meth is produced and distributed and explained how the drug adversely affects individuals’ lives, as well as the lives of their families.

Several members were surprised to learn just how addictive meth is versus other drugs. Unlike cocaine or heroin, virtually no success stories exist in regards to individuals trying to kick the meth habit. Basically, once you’ve tried it, you’re hooked for life... and that’s a critical message to get out to our kids. On average, people have about 12 good years left from the time they start till the time their brains are too fried to know any better or their body gives out & it’s not just kids! It affects all age groups from as young as 5th graders till? Recently on the news, there was a man 51 years olds into manufacturing & using this drug. There are some signs you can recognize that a person is into meth such as acne or sores on their face & body, very thin, jumpy, nervous, paranoia, none or short attention span, jittery eyes, up for days at a time then once they crash it’s for days at a time & they are very hard to awaken.

We need to get the word out to everyone in Union, especially our children: meth is nothing more than a one-way ticket to a life of addiction and serious physical destruction. We may not be able to help the people that are already addicted but we can help to stop the next generation from becoming addicted. Pay attention to what’s going on around you & don’t just sit on the information! Report it to the sheriff’s office! All of us need to get this information to the proper people if we want to make a difference. Don’t think of it as someone else’s problem, it’s everyone’s problem. The Village Board is hoping to have some educational displays and presentations at the next community picnic to get the word out on the dangers of drugs and meth in particular.

As far as deterring known criminals in our village, Lt Burke asks that we all take a courageous stand against drug pushers in Union and report any suspicious activity. If you are interested in helping to get this epidemic out of our town, we need your help! Don’t just ignore the signs such as lots of activity at odd hours of the day & night, smells, small packages coming & going and changes in appearance. Get involved & help stop this drug from addicting our residents.

IT’S HAIRCUT DAY!!! YIKES!
The Union Fire & Rescue unit will be hosting a fundraiser. It will be at the Union fire station on Saturday May 29th from 8:00 a.m. until who knows when??
Some of our team members are planning to sit ON TOP of the fire station & NOT COME DOWN until they raise $1200.00!

BUT…IF WE RAISE $3000.00 SOME OF OUR “LOCAL LOCOS” ARE GOING TO “BUZZ THEIR HEADS!!”

This Includes Gaille Brown (Rescue Capt), Jim Loring (Training Officer), Ron Kennedy (New EMT), & a great sport Susie Morton. Anyone else that would like to join in the fun is more than welcome!

There will also be a carwash & garage sale. They need so much new equipment and don’t get a lot of funding that these members are willing to do whatever they need to to better serve the public. So please come out and help them raise the funds they so desperately need.

SO IT’S A DEAL?? GOOD, WE’LL SEE YOU THERE BRIGHT & SQUIRLEY!!

BURN PERMITS:
Once again, I find that we need to remind people about open burning. If you are planning to burn a brush pile or even burn barrels, you need a burn permit. We are still in a burn ban throughout the state. If you are caught burning you will be ticketed which carries a fine of $100 first offense. Or if you see someone burning, contact the sheriff’s office not the village clerk.