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Safety key in trick-or-treat |
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Thursday, 30 October 2008 |
By MARY BARGDILL
Staff Writer
ST. MARYS — As Halloween draws near and area youngsters anxiously don their favorite costumes, local law officials offer suggestions to children and adults alike for a safe evening of trick or treating.
The city of St. Marys and the villages of New Bremen, Minster and New Knoxville will each hold trick-or-treat this evening. In St. Marys, trick-or-treat will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Trick-or-treat in New Bremen is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., in Minster from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., and in New Knoxville from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
St. Marys Police Chief Greg Foxhoven said officers will make a stronger presence tonight as sidewalks and streets are filled with young witches and goblins walking from house to house.
“We want to make sure that everyone has a safe time,” Foxhoven said. “The motorists just need to be extra cautious during that time.”
In recent weeks, police officers have handed out free reflective trick or treat bags which contain safety tips to area children. They have also passed out night glow sticks, which may be worn on children’s costumes.
Foxhoven said that while the department has run out of the glow sticks, they are still handing out the reflective bags that children and parents may pick up at the police station.
“We always recommend reflective clothing,” Foxhoven said, noting they also encourage children to trick or treat with family and friends, and to remain in well lit areas they are familiar with.
“It’s always a good idea for parents to check the candy as well,” he said. “Its always good to be cautious.”
Minster Police Chief Randy Houseworth suggested motorists slow down and keep an eye out for youngsters who are walking house to house for treats.
“Come through slow and look out for kids,” Houseworth said. “Kids are excited about getting candy and not always looking both ways.”
Houseworth said the police department will have all three cruisers patrolling and 20 Minster High School students will assist the younger children while crossing intersections in town.
Parents of trick-or-treaters also can help keep their children safe by dressing them in bight colors and opting for face paint or makeup instead of cumbersome masks, he said.
“We certainly like them to be visible,” Houseworth said. “It’s nice if they can wear reflective clothes. Some of the masks keep them from looking both ways and block vision.”
We encourage them to wear face paint.”
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 04 November 2008 )
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