September was National Preparedness month. During this month, or any time, citizens are reminded that it is everyone’s responsibility to be prepared and to be alert of suspicious activities. Citizens are asked to be that “extra set of eyes.”
You know what is suspicious in your neighborhood, what vehicle doesn’t belong or what is out of place. Report all suspicious activity to your local jurisdictional police.
The Seven Signs of Terrorism can be used for neighborhoods or any time you are traveling, either in Michigan or elsewhere: 1) Surveillance —Someone recording or monitoring activities. This may include use of cameras (video or still), note taking, drawing diagrams or annotating on maps. 2) Elicitation — People or organizations attempting to gain information about people, places or capabilities. This may be done in person, by phone, mail, email or fax. 3) Tests of security — Attempts to measure reaction times to security breaches or attempts to illegally gain entry to test strengths and weaknesses. 4) Acquiring supplies — Purchasing or stealing supplies needed to commit the crime.  5) Suspicious persons out of place — People who don’t seem to belong in the workplace, neighborhood or business establishments. 6) Dry run/trial run — Putting people and equipment in place according to the plan without committing the crime. 7) Deploying assets — Putting people and equipment in place to commit the crime. Be aware of your surroundings, report suspicious activities and be safe.
October is Domestic Violence Victim Awareness month. Every month, every day, citizens need to be aware of this crime. Men, women and children are abused by their partners or adults.
The dynamics of D/V are based in power and control. This may be done with physical violence and the threat of physical violence. Other forms of abuse may be mental, sexual, financial or isolation.
MCL 750.812 states: “(defendant) did make an assault or an assault and battery against (victim) and (defendant) and (victim) either had a child in common, was a resident or former resident of the household, were a spouse or former spouse, or had a dating relationship.” This is a misdemeanor punishable by 93 days in jail and/or a $500 fine. If you know of a victim, each prosecutor’s office has a victim advocate available for victim assistance. This crime needs to be reported to your jurisdictional police.
Today at at 7 p.m. there will be a candlelight vigil at the Howard Township Fire Department. This is located in Howard Township, Cass County at the intersection of M-60 and Barron Lake Road.

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