January Operation Our Town meeting roundup

By Corey Snyder

On January 11, 2012, Operation Our Town held its monthly meeting at the Bull Pen in Tyrone, PA.

Joshua House director Jim Kilmartin opened up the meeting asking attendees to introduce themselves and the businesses/organizations they were representing.

One of the major issues discussed was the 2011 crime.

“The crime in Tyrone has decreased over the past two years,” Officer John Romeo stated.

He believes the number is lower because many of the individuals arrested in prior years are still incarcerated.

He also said that the Tyrone Police Department has also hired four new officers.

Irish Heritage Day is scheduled for March 16. There will be Irish music and fireworks. The morning of March 17 Joshua House will sponsor a 5k-10k race and a 70-yard high heel dash.

Kilmartin mentioned how he would like to attract more players discussed the cross-town basketball league. This year, 50 to 70 kids are participating, he is aiming for 90 participants next year.

Kathy Muller, prevention educator for Blair County Drug and Alcohol Programs Incorporated, mentioned drug free parks and tobacco free parks for the youth. Muller said that she wants these parks so kids can go somewhere that they won’t be influenced to get into drugs.

Harry Sickler, owner of the Bull Pen and American Eagle Paper Mill, wants more people to get involved in Operation Our Town. He said it would be nice to have more representatives from different businesses at this meeting so they can also help with efforts to make our town a safer and better place overall.

The next Operation Our Town meeting will be Wednesday, February 8, 2011 at the Bull Pen.