Happy fall to everyone! It continues to be an active time for us here at the Newberry Police Department. We just finished with another exciting and busy Oktoberfest held on Saturday, October 5 downtown. Once again, we were also tasked with a home football game at Newberry College on the same day.

Although there was on and off rain and the temperature was cooler, Oktoberfest had a very large crowd as people from all over came out to enjoy the day. There was plenty of food, fun and entertainment for all throughout Downtown Newberry. Everyone involved in the planning and preparation of the event did an outstanding job in making it a successful and safe day for all.

We are now preparing for the annual Halloween events here in the city. We will have additional officers out working during this time. Also, during this year’s Halloween event, we would like to remind citizens that state law prohibits golf carts from being operated after dark. Golf carts can only be operated during daylight hours by licensed drivers 16 years of age and older. They must also display a sticker from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles indicating that the owner has liability insurance on file.

Parents and citizens should always keep safety first in mind when trick-or-treating. We ask that cars please slow down while in residential neighborhoods and watch out for children walking on roadways in dark costumes as they will be harder to see at night.

Please look for children crossing the street. They may not be paying attention to traffic and cross the street between parked cars or large bushes. For children under the age of 13, please ensure that an adult or an older, responsible youth is available to supervise them and instruct children to only travel in familiar areas. Parents should also review with their children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they ever have an emergency or become lost.

We ask that you talk with your children about stopping only at well-lit homes and to never enter a stranger’s home or garage. While it may be tough, we ask you to please ask them not to eat any treats until they get home.

Please verify to make sure Halloween costumes are flame-retardant and visible with retro-reflective material. Be bright at night – wear retro-reflective tape on costumes and treat buckets to improve visibility to motorists and others.

Stay on sidewalks and avoid walking in streets if possible. Look both ways and listen for traffic before crossing the street. Cross streets only at the corner, and never cross between parked vehicles. It is recommended that you park on side streets or parking lots and walk to help with congestion in the area of Main Street between Glenn and Kinard Streets. You must have permission from the property owners before you park on their property. If it is possible, we ask that you please carpool to cut down on the number of vehicles that are in neighborhoods that could cause possible congestion.

Please stay safe and enjoy!

https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_Roy-McClurkin.jpg

Roy McClurkin

Contributing Columnist

Roy McClurkin is the Police Chief for the City of Newberry.