News in brief for Oct.31, 2007
Published 10:45 am Thursday, November 1, 2007
Birmingham
Sheriff’s office offers safety tips
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is urging parents to use caution while trick-or-treating this year. In a press release, parents are encouraged to visit the sheriff’s office Web site (www.jeffcosheriff.net) and click on “Halloween Safety.” By following the link to the sex offender registry page, parents can find useful tips and information to share with their children. The sheriff’s office strongly recommends families use the registry to check addresses where their children will be trick-or-treating this year. By entering those addresses, parents can find any convicted sex offender living within a mile radius and make an informed decision about skipping those homes. Other sheriff’s office tips include:
• never let children trick or treat alone
• only trick or treat if houses are well lit
• never let kids enter homes without parents’ permission
Gardendale
Resident reports for basic training
Zachary A. Patterson of Gardendale has joined the U.S. Army under the Delayed Entry Program, according to a press release. The program gives young men and women the opportunity to delay entering active duty for up to one year. The enlistment gives the new soldier the option to learn a new skill, travel and become eligible to receive as much as $50,000 toward a college education. After completion of basic military training, soldiers receive advanced individual training in their career job specialty prior to being assigned to their first permanent duty station. The recruit qualifies for a $30,000 enlistment bonus. Patterson reported to Fort Leonard Wood in Waynesville, Mo., for basic training this month. He is the son of Billy and Norma Henley of Gardendale.