Remembering Veterans Bittersweet This Memorial DayMay 25, 2012 – We-Ta-Se staff w bronze plaques 1.jpg Frank Shopteese, left, Roy Hale, center, and Jim Potts sorting through the bronze flag markers that they placed on each veterans graves last spring at each of the 17 cemeteries on the common land. Recently, eight of the markers were vandalized in Shipshee cemetery. It won’t dampen the spirits of the We-Ta-Se veterans, however, as they will conduct a 21 gun salute and play taps at each of the cemeteries beginning at the Potts home at 8 a.m. May 27. MAYETTA: Last Tuesday when Frank Shopteese and Jim Potts were making preparations for the veteran’s Memorial Day ceremony coming up this Sunday on the common land, they noticed that eight of the bronze flag markers that they placed to signify veterans graves had been vandalized at Shipshee cemetery. Thieves had stolen the brass posts from the markers but left the bronze plates on the ground. Mike Boswell, chief of police for the Tribal Police Department said that they are investigating the situation. It appears that the individuals may be looking for items that contain metals that can be sold for scrap like copper coils in air conditioners and the bronze flag markers, as examples. Late last summer some churches and unoccupied buildings were hit by vandals who tore up air conditioning units and other items that can be easily sold to turn a buck or two. The crimes are occurring with frequency and appear to be heightened in rural areas although urban areas are seeing a big increase too. Reasons for the thefts are the downturn in the economy in the past few years and that metals have increased in value through the years. It is also hard to identify and catch the thieves in action. If you have any information regarding the thefts please contact the Tribal Police Department at 785.966.3024 and don’t forget the Sobriety check point scheduled for this coming Saturday night on U.S. Highway 75 which is also designed to keep citizens safe.May 25, 2012 – We-Ta-Se staff w bronze plaques 1.jpg Frank Shopteese, left, Roy Hale, center, and Jim Potts sorting through the bronze flag markers that they placed on each veterans graves last spring at each of the 17 cemeteries on the common land. Recently, eight of the markers were vandalized in Shipshee cemetery. It won’t dampen the spirits of the We-Ta-Se veterans, however, as they will conduct a 21 gun salute and play taps at each of the cemeteries beginning at the Potts home at 8 a.m. May 27. MAYETTA: Last Tuesday when Frank Shopteese and Jim Potts were making preparations for the veteran’s Memorial Day ceremony coming up this Sunday on the common land, they noticed that eight of the bronze flag markers that they placed to signify veterans graves had been vandalized at Shipshee cemetery. Thieves had stolen the brass posts from the markers but left the bronze plates on the ground. Mike Boswell, chief of police for the Tribal Police Department said that they are investigating the situation. It appears that the individuals may be looking for items that contain metals that can be sold for scrap like copper coils in air conditioners and the bronze flag markers, as examples. Late last summer some churches and unoccupied buildings were hit by vandals who tore up air conditioning units and other items that can be easily sold to turn a buck or two. The crimes are occurring with frequency and appear to be heightened in rural areas although urban areas are seeing a big increase too. Reasons for the thefts are the downturn in the economy in the past few years and that metals have increased in value through the years. It is also hard to identify and catch the thieves in action. If you have any information regarding the thefts please contact the Tribal Police Department at 785.966.3024 and don’t forget the Sobriety check point scheduled for this coming Saturday night on U.S. Highway 75 which is also designed to keep citizens safe.May 25, 2012 – We-Ta-Se staff w bronze plaques 1.jpg Frank Shopteese, left, Roy Hale, center, and Jim Potts sorting through the bronze flag markers that they placed on each veterans graves last spring at each of the 17 cemeteries on the common land. Recently, eight of the markers were vandalized in Shipshee cemetery. It won’t dampen the spirits of the We-Ta-Se veterans, however, as they will conduct a 21 gun salute and play taps at each of the cemeteries beginning at the Potts home at 8 a.m. May 27. MAYETTA: Last Tuesday when Frank Shopteese and Jim Potts were making preparations for the veteran’s Memorial Day ceremony coming up this Sunday on the common land, they noticed that eight of the bronze flag markers that they placed to signify veterans graves had been vandalized at Shipshee cemetery. Thieves had stolen the brass posts from the markers but left the bronze plates on the ground. Mike Boswell, chief of police for the Tribal Police Department said that they are investigating the situation. It appears that the individuals may be looking for items that contain metals that can be sold for scrap like copper coils in air conditioners and the bronze flag markers, as examples. Late last summer some churches and unoccupied buildings were hit by vandals who tore up air conditioning units and other items that can be easily sold to turn a buck or two. The crimes are occurring with frequency and appear to be heightened in rural areas although urban areas are seeing a big increase too. Reasons for the thefts are the downturn in the economy in the past few years and that metals have increased in value through the years. It is also hard to identify and catch the thieves in action. If you have any information regarding the thefts please contact the Tribal Police Department at 785.966.3024 and don’t forget the Sobriety check point scheduled for this coming Saturday night on U.S. Highway 75 which is also designed to keep citizens safe.