About 100 local residents attended an Oil City anti-drug rally Saturday with one clear message for drug dealers in the area.  Get out!
Concerned citizens and local officials gathered in the Central Avenue Plaza for the third annual anti-drug rally, hosted by the North Side Association.
The event drew a variety of speakers, including Clarion University criminology professor Paul Klenowski, who spoke of his hometown"s own struggle with drugs.
Klenowski said residents in his hometown of Wheeling, W.V., fought back 10 years ago when drug dealing and violence descended upon the town.
He said anti-drug efforts there started with a simple, peaceful march through areas that had seen a rise in crime.
When you step out and show your face, Klenowski said, the drug dealers get nervous.
Local officials also encouraged area residents to do their part in the effort to keep drugs off the streets and out of neighborhoods.
Oil City Mayor Sonja Hawkins and state Rep. Scott Hutchinson said the government does its part to address drug dealing, but success also depends on people stepping up in their neighborhoods.
Oil City police Chief Bob Wenner and Oil City Area School District superintendent Joe Carrico echoed the importance of community action while warning of the dangers of drug trafficking.
Amanda Heckathorne, a member of the North Side Association, told the crowd how the group helped her family finish improvements to the exterior of their Seeley Avenue home.
Heckathorne said the home was once the eyesore of the neighborhood. Now, drug dealing that used to take place in view of her house has disappeared, she said.
Join a neighborhood association, Heckathorne said. Let the bad people in the community know we are taking a stand.
Members of the South Side Neighborhood Association and the Siverly Neighborhood Association also spoke about improvements their groups have made.
Local leaders of youth agencies including Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Youth Alternatives and Court Appointed Special Advocates explained the work they are doing to mentor at-risk youths and encouraged others to volunteer.
The Rev. Chris Hill, pastor at the Free Methodist Church, opened the event with an invocation. The Pennsylvania National Guard color guard presented the flag as members of the Oil City High School marching band played the National Anthem.
Magician Vance McCartney entertained children with a magic show. Hot dogs, chips and pop were provided as free refreshments.
Oil Region Alliance president Randy Seitz, who emceed the event, told drug dealers they should know area residents are watching you.