Shearon Ziegler read the Crime Reports, furnished by the Pa. State Police: There was a theft on Livingston Road and a Residential Burglary on Ike Drive, Criminal Trespass on E. Lake Road and also one on Mohawk Drive. A theft occurred on Maple Way and a Criminal Mischief Charge was filed on Pitts Road for a mailbox. Criminal Mischief was noted also on E. State Road for hatchet marks chopped into a pine tree.

In North Shenango: Theft from a parked car on Rt. 285 and Criminal Mischief on Ridgeview Road; Residential Burglary on Chapel Road in Espyville and theft from a car parked at Li’l Bit Restaurant. There was a report of a prowler on Leach Road that later turned out to be false.

The Crime Report for West Shenango Township: Two trailers and five snowmobiles stolen on Elm Lane. Any information concerning this case should be directed to the Pa. State Police.

Tony Durnye asked for the Citizen Patrol Reports: Jeff Daniels said a truck was riding near some fields at night so he followed it; it turned out to be the owner of the land. Jeff informed him that he was a member of the Shenango Crime Watch and just wanted to make sure everything was all right. There was also a golf cart riding around the neighborhood.

There was a report of ATV’s and dirt bikes on Livingston Road. The State Police were summoned, but never bothered to show up.

The Tuttle Beach closure then became the topic of the meeting. Closure of the facility is still not certain; the person in charge of the water for drinking, showers and cleaning is retiring and state officials are not sure if he will be replaced.

The future is questionable for the popular camping and swimming area. It may open late and close early next year.

A petition was circulating among the citizens to be signed and sent to legislators to keep the facility open.

Many local businesses depend on the tourist industry generated by Tuttle Beach and Campground.

Tony Durnye then went on with the Citizen Patrols: Denise Gray stated that all was well in the South Lake Road area, Church and Leach Roads seemed quiet, too. Bobi Heida said everything was ok in her area and so was Hickory. Eloise spoke up and said that our Crime Watch is building a good reputation in the local vicinity and that neighbors are asking her and Gerald to watch houses, neighborhoods and to do drive-by’s on streets to check on things.

Gerald said that if trees are down or something doesn’t look right, then the neighbors get called.

Doors are even checked to make sure they are locked, as one neighbor phoned Gerald and said he couldn’t remember whether he had locked up or not.

Some other citizens spoke up at this time to tell the public that there have been people casing neighborhoods lately, robbing houses. If the residence appears to be dark or quiet or no one home, they are breaking in and robbing the place. If the owners are home at the time, these people are faking ways to get in to the home, using excuses such as needing the telephone or bath room.

Then they case the living room and house for things to steal at a later time. Citizens are urged not to allow strangers to enter their premises.

If a stranger asks to use the phone, make them give you the number they need to dial and the reason, and leave them stand outside the door. Citizens are under no obligation to allow strangers into their homes to use the telephone.

Citizens are also urged to leave lights on at night or while away, and to use light timers in the event of being away for extended periods of time.

Someone mentioned a bear being spotted with an i.d. tag on, out in Kenard. It seems that this is the very same bear that was removed from the very same field three years ago and transported to another county up in the mountains. It has taken him three years to return; apparently he likes rural Western Pennsylvania.

Shirley Clark then made the announcement that she would like someone else to volunteer to be the Secretary of the South Shenango Crime Watch. Clark has held the position since 2006.

Sharon Ziegler mentioned that she would like someone else to take over as South Shenango Chairperson.

The 50/50 drawing was held, with Winnie Preskovich holding the ticket that was drawn.

The cakes were donated by Shirley Clark and Sharon Ziegler.

Having no further business for the evening, the motion carried unanimously to adjourn for the evening.