Tony Brown, Maryville Daily Forum
Posted: Thursday, September 10, 2015 7:57 am
Maryville has been chosen as one of the “50 Safest College Towns in America” in an online listing compiled by SafeWise, a web-based company that markets home security systems and security consulting services.
Ranked No. 32, Maryville was the only Missouri city on the list, finishing just behind Athens, Ohio, home to Ohio University, and ahead of Logan Utah, which boasts Utah State.
The top five cities recognized were Brookings, South Dakota (South Dakota State University), Charleston, Illinois (Eastern Illinois University), Rexburg, Idaho (Brigham Young University-Idaho), Elon, North Carolina (Elon University), and Canyon, Texas (West Texas A&M).
In compiling the rankings, SafeWise said it evaluated the most recent FBI crime statistics, combining that data with company research focused on safety-related programs and initiatives.
Maryville Public Safety Director Keith Wood said the city’s inclusion on the list resulted from cooperative efforts involving law enforcement, private citizens, and Northwest Missouri State University, which offers numerous programs related to personal security, victim advocacy, responsible drinking, and healthy relationships.
“Maryville Public Safety would like to thank our citizens, law enforcement partners, and Northwest Missouri State University for joint efforts in community betterment initiatives,” Wood said.
“Public Safety continues to work with the Nodaway County Sheriffs Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Northwest Missouri State University Police Department, and various support services to ensure an ongoing commitment toward community safety.”
City Manager Greg McDanel likewise said Maryville’s inclusion on the list resulted from both effective enforcement and local services and institutions, such as the Children and Family Center of Northwest Missouri, which operates a domestic abuse shelter, and a victims’ rights initiative spearheaded by Nodaway County Prosecuting Attorney Robert Rice.
Other initiatives promoting citizen safety include the university’s Safe Ride Home late-night shuttle service, a bar patrol program operated by Maryville Public Safety, and the Sexual Assault and Violence Education (SAVE) initiative headed up by Meghann Kosman of the Children and Family Center and MPS Officer Sarah Kahmann.