Crime and calls for service are down in Jordan, Police Chief Bob Malz reported tonight.

In July 2008, there were 32 crimes committed in Jordan. From January to July 2008, there were a total of 224 crimes.

In July 2007, there were 47 crimes. From January to July, the city tallied 276 crimes.

Malz's monthly police activity report shows:

- 50 thefts from January to July this year and 50 during the same period last year;

- eight gas drive-offs from January to July this year and 42 during the same period last year;

A few parking citations given out by police at the Mini-Met ballpark during the Jordan Art Festival have been dismissed.

The ballpark parking lot near the intersection of Rice and Water streets filled up during the Jordan Valley Bike Tour, which was attended by about 300 bicyclists. Overflow parking trickled into the street leading behind the outfield fence and into the parking lot.

Barry Hager, a representative from CenterPoint Energy, presented a check for up to $2,500 to the Jordan Police Department tonight.

The business is paying for half of a radio unit for the city's emergency management mobile command center, which was obtained through a separate grant last year. The 800-megahertz radio system, expected to cost $4,873.75, will eventually broaden Jordan's connection to other law enforcement agencies. 

One of the best ways to get your opinion out in public is to write a letter to the editor. I always appreciate reading what you, the readers of your local newspaper, have to say.

And it's especially rewarding when the letters touch on serious topics of importance in the world today.

This week's letters to the editor were exceptional:

- Dana Shutrop of Spring Lake Township wrote about mental health and a bill passed by the U.S. Congress to preserve funding for programs to help people suffering from mental illnesses.

With severe weather season approaching, it might be a good idea to review the city's storm siren policy if you're not familiar with it.

This has been updated in the past year or so: http://www.jordan.govoffice.com/vertical/Sites/%7B04B02830-4B09-4682-A96....  

Here's some of what the Jordan Public Safety Committee has been discussing:

- The committee asked Hope Lutheran Church to revise its proposal for a crosswalk. A design provided to the committee did not connect to a sidewalk.

- A police officer slipped on some ice and twisted his hip. The incident, which was determined to be unpreventable, was covered by workers compensation.

Tonight, the Jordan City Council passed an amendment to the local law enforcement mutual aid pact.

The agreement provides for Belle Plaine, Elko New Market, Jordan, New Prague, Prior Lake, Savage, Shakopee, Three Rivers Park District, and Scott County to assist each other by making equipment, personnel, ant other resources available throughout the rest of the county. 

Jordan made a conditional job offer to Kelly Doyle, who applied for an open position as the city's police records technician.

Criminal activity this January through September is dropping in Jordan compared to totals through the same period of time last year, according to a report from Police Chief Bob Malz.

On Saturday mornings, when children file into ballet classes in downtown Jordan, the sidewalk is covered with cigarette butts.