Staff report

Staff report

GIRARD

Registered sex offenders in the city can no longer participate in trick-or-treat.

Council unanimously approved legislation Tuesday that prohibits sex offenders from decorating their homes and answering the door when children are asking for candy on Halloween night. The ordinance also stipulates that sex offenders must keep all exterior lighting off from 5 p.m. to midnight during trick-or-treat evening.

Girard has 10 registered sex offenders, seven of whom have convictions involving children.

“Ever since I’ve been a councilman, it’s been about safety and the kids,” said Tom Grumley, Girard’s 4th Ward councilman and streets and sidewalks committee chairman.

The ordinance says violation of the law will result in a minor misdemeanor.

The city has set trick-or-treating for Oct. 31. This year’s event will be from 5 to 7 p.m.