SHERIFF'S HALLOWEEN SAFETY SUPPERS
In 1994 the Sheriff's Office hosted its first Halloween Safety Suppers.
This event was initiated by Sheriff Lillquist as a means of providing a
safety program during Halloween. The first Halloween Supper was held
at the Senior Citizens Center in Forest City, and was such a big success
the event was expanded. The following year the event included Forest City,
Rake, Scarville, Thompson, Leland, and Lake Mills.
The purpose of the Safety Suppers is to expose kids to ways they can
trick or treat successfully and safely on Halloween. We also hope to save
the parents some time during this hectic evening, making available a place
where the family can eat and enjoy the evening. At each location the
Sheriff has a least one full time Deputy or Reserve Deputy present. The
Deputies will hand out trick or treat bags, apples or other items. After the
supper, the Deputy will remain in town to make sure that things go well for
the ghosts and goblins. We wish all to have an enjoyable and safe
experience.
The Sheriff solicits donations from businesses and individuals in Winnebago
County and finds people to assist in serving the supper. These people are
usually from local groups or organizations within the city or county. Kids
under age twelve eat free, and all others are asked for a free will donation.
The money collected at this event is retained by the group assisting the
Sheriff with the event (such as the Forest City Senior Citizen Center ).
The Sheriff's Safety Suppers begins at 4:30 PM and will last until 6:00 PM.
This even is usually held on October 31st of each year. Since this event began,
the Sheriff has averaged feeding about 650 people during the event. When the
Halloween season approaches, check the local newspapers for times, dates
and locations of this event.
FARM CHECK PROGRAM
Another service of the Sheriff's Office is security checks on rural homes
and farms. Sheriff Lillquist encourages rural residents to contact the Sheriff's
Office if they are going to be gone for two or three days (or longer). The Sheriff's
Deputies will periodically check the residents of people who are gone.
Although we can not guarantee how often we will be able to check a residence,
we will make a concerted effort to stop by several times a week.
This program has been in effect for over twenty years. During that time,
Deputies have made arrests for burglaries or property thefts as a direct result
of this program. There is no fee for participating in this program. Please feel
free to contact the Sheriff's Office by phone, e-mail or FAX and we will be glad
to set up a farm check for you.
SHERIFF'S Y-CAMP
Every summer the Iowa State Sheriff's Association sponsors a program which
allows kids from Iowa to attend the Y-Camp near Boone, IA. This summer
event has been held for over twenty years and the Winnebago County Sheriff
participates in this program. This event is a joint effort between the Sheriff's
Association and local organizations. Two children are chosen to attend the
Y-Camp. Winners are chosen in July of each year, and the Y-Camp is held
in August. Information on this event is usually distributed by the local
organization during the summer.
KIDS RIDE-ALONG PROGRAM
The Winnebago County Sheriff also sponsors a ride along program on a
limited basis. This program occurs once a year during the Winnebago
County Fair and is for kids age 8-16 year of age. For those interested in
participating, there is a screening process to complete and participates must
be approved by the Sheriff. Every year at the Winnebago County Fair kids
and young adults can register at the Sheriff's booth for this event. Four kids
are selected each year to spend a night with one of our Deputies during a
duty shift.
PUBLIC SPEAKING
The Sheriff's Office does have officers available to speak or give presentations
to organizations wishing to gain insight or knowledge of law enforcement topics.
Various topics might include illegal drugs, K9 police dog, scams, vandalism's,
community involvement, and neighborhood watch programs. If your organization
would like an officer to discuss local law enforcement issues, pleas contact
the Sheriff's Office. |