Randomly Tonia

Some recent illegal activity, namely car theft and burglary, has the town talking. While most are sharing the reports via Facebook posts, some are reacting with little surprised or angry emoticons and some are commenting as well.

One posting party asked what the Sheriff’s office is doing while these events are happening – after all, “it isn’t like you have a metropolis to patrol.”

My response is that, while this area is far from a metropolis (something for which I am eternally grateful), it is still unrealistic to expect a law enforcement to be on hand at the exact time and place a thief decides to take something that does not belong to him/her.

With more than 3,500 residents, Kimball County covers more than 950 square miles and borders both Colorado and Wyoming, giving any thief an easy out with stolen goods to a location where, except under the most extreme circumstances, local law enforcement cannot follow.

I have seen this before, the public’s expectation that law enforcement, whether that be local Police Officers, Sheriff’s Deputies or State Troopers, can be everywhere at all times, and if one happened to be nearby a thief would move on to a different vehicle or home anyway.

We at the Western Nebraska Observer have experienced that same expectation, that any time there is an event, we (the reporting staff of two) can, and will, be there.

As with local law enforcement, we are grossly understaffed for such an endeavor, and we must rely on the help of the citizens.

In our line of work that help comes from dozens of residents, parents, community leaders and coaches. These people send us story ideas, information, news releases and photos, which we are able to pass on to our readers.

Without the help of so many, the task of sharing all this information with our readers would be insurmountable.

The Kimball Police Department, Kimball County Sheriff’s Office and Nebraska State Patrol need that same partnership.

As my darling significant other often says, “All I (they) need is a spare moment and a few kind words.”

I will leave you with just a few thoughts:

Be proactive – no one can be everywhere all the time, making community partnerships invaluable.

Be vigilant – look out for others as we look out for ourselves.

Most importantly, be patient/be kind – give others the time needed to complete their tasks and be kind when addressing any concerns, particularly on social media!!

Too many times I have seen issues splashed across my Facebook “newsfeed” that are best addressed personally and as business owners have occasionally requested, “If you are pleased with our service tell your friends, if not, tell us.” Perhaps they should add something about leaving these complaints off of social media.