Partners for Otoe County Focused on Violence Prevention 

Purple Hands Project

The week of November 15^th through the 19^this anti-bullying week.  During anti-bullying week Nebraska City Middle School students collected cans for their "I can" be bully free campaign and continued to collect cans to donate to the Food Pantry through Thanksgiving.  The week of November 22nd, students began discussing the Purple Hands pledge in Alpha class. Alpha classes will also decorate their doors to reflect the Purple Hands pledge.

An all school assembly was held on November 22^nd. Assembly participants talked about bullying and how by-standers need to get involved.  Please help us in our efforts to stopbullying by discussing these issues with your sons/daughters.  

Vanessa Sherman,

PRIDE AND MADD PARTNER TO PROMOTE          TIE ONE ON FOR SAFETY IN OTOE COUNTY

The Nebraska City High School PRIDE group is  helping to kick off MADD's annual Tie One On for Safety campaign at Nebraska City High School, Friday, December 10th at 1:45 p.m. 

MADD Nebraska's Executive Director, Simera Reynolds, law enforcement officials and other local leaders will be on hand to assist with the kickoff.  The purpose of the campaign is to encourage the community to make a pledge to designate a sober driver, not to serve anyone under 21 and to always wear your seat belt during the holiday season and the entire year.  PRIDE members will be assisting MADD with promoting the Tie One On For Safety Campaign through January 2nd.  Local law enforcement organizations will also be conducting special enforcement operations to deter impaired driving throughout the next month. DUI arrests by the Nebraska City Police Department increased over 500% between 2008 and 2009.

 As the holidays approach, many people will be traveling to dinners and parties, to enjoy the company of friends and family. It's a time of celebration, but unfortunately, it's also the time of year when drunk driving is on the rise. Last year, more than 12,000 people were killed in crashes when involving a driver with a blood alcohol content greater than the leagal limit of .08.

Each year, during this holiday season, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) conducts the Tie One On For Safety public awareness initiative, to encourage us all to "Drive Safe, Sober and Buckled Up." Executive Director Simera Reynolds frequently reminds us that  always wearing your seat belt is the best defense against a drunk driver for you and your children.

You can get involved in the MADD campaign, and help spread the word against drunk driving. Here are a few tips to get started:

• Attach a MADD ribbon or sticker in a prominent place on your vehicle.
• Always choose a designated driver before anyone begins drinking.
• Post drunk driving statistics in a prominent place in your office or place of worship.
• Always Be a responsible party host.

Check out MADD's site for more information about the Tie One On For Safety campaign, and for some tips on how to host a safe holiday party.