Sheriff Jeff Wood’s weekly update focused on the upcoming Halloween holiday which will bring out all the witches, ghosts and goblins of all ages in the Castle Valley area. The Sheriff had some very helpful tips for parents when sending or taking their children out to trick or treat on Monday, October 31.
“Go with the rule of common sense, make sure that you have boundaries for your kids and they stay in the area they are supposed to be in and even if the kids are older and you don’t have to be with them its ok to check on them during Halloween. So if you figure they are half way through their route, maybe drive over there and make sure they are half way through their route,” stated Wood. There will be many children out enjoying Halloween night, so drivers need to be aware and cautious when driving through the neighborhoods.
Other helpful hints for parents is to look at and make alterations to their child’s costumes. “You know they are little things; the masks, masks are cool and all, but the kids really can’t breathe that well in the mask and it really hinders their view so go with the painting the face paint,” said Wood. Also make sure that costumes are cut at the appropriate length so children will not trip over them. There is a lot of walking when it comes to enjoying Halloween so proper shoes are very important as well. Parents should try to make sure that their children have some sort of reflective clothing or device so they are more visible to drivers.
Last year was the first year that the Sheriff had his deputies help patrol the busiest neighborhoods. Wood is upping the ante this year as he explains further, “The Sheriff’s office will be out again this year on the Rhinos. I think we are going to have four teams plus myself, so five different Rhinos out in those areas, so look for us we will be out there and we’ll have candy for the kids and we absolutely want to mingle with the kids.” The neighborhoods that will be the focus again this year will be the Westwood, the Coves, behind the old Kmart and northeast portion of town which is the Castle Heights area.
Wood had one last reminder for the teens that will be enjoying the holiday, “Our older kids that are out on Halloween I want them to have a good time but let’s not let the shenanigans go too far, so to speak, make sure that no property gets damaged or anything like that.” Community members can look for deputies or call dispatch if they have any concerns while out enjoying Halloween.