Hueytown Implements Curfew Ahead of Homecoming Week
As the excitement for Homecoming Week builds in Hueytown, local officials have announced an emergency curfew set to take place from September 16 to September 21. The curfew will begin at 10 p.m. each night and end at 5 a.m. the following day, running from Monday night through Saturday morning.
Curfew Background
The decision comes after past experiences where gatherings of youths in both public and private spaces resulted in complaints from community members about potential vandalism and disturbances. Hueytown High School’s Homecoming week is typically marked by festivities along with some pricier pranks, contributing to the need for a curfew.
“In previous years, there have been issues where large groups of minors would congregate with the intent to vandalize,” said Lt. Hunter Hodges of the Hueytown Police Department. Activities have included typical teenage antics like rolling houses and egging properties, as well as more serious issues such as spray painting cars.
Community Reactions
The response to the upcoming pranks is mixed among parents. Some, like Velma Shufford, appreciate the spirit of fun. “They always tissue roll our house. It’s okay, I don’t get upset. It’s all in fun,” she said. For Shufford, these kinds of pranks are preferable to more destructive behavior.
On the other hand, residents like Shundrika Price find such acts to be less amusing. “I am one that I like to keep my yard up, so I don’t want any tissue or eggs or stuff around my house. I think that’s terrible,” she remarked, highlighting the differing views within the community about youthful pranks.
Safety First
According to Lt. Hodges, the main aim of the curfew is to safeguard minors and prevent trespassing and property damage. “The major concern is their safety,” he explained. “We are trying to stop that at the main cause.” The police department hopes to minimize potential conflicts between property owners and teens engaging in pranks. “Most of it is done in good fun, but there are still people left to clean up the mess,” he added.
The curfew also serves to keep teenagers off the roads late at night. “We just want to ensure the kids are safe,” Hodges stated. He clarified that minors being out late can lead to risky behaviors, such as driving erratically or not wearing seat belts. The additional rule aims to mitigate any dangerous situations before they occur.
Consequences for Violating the Curfew
Parents are advised to keep an eye on their children during this week, as being caught out after curfew can result in fines. The penalties start at $25 for a first violation and can escalate to $500 for a third infraction.
Despite the curfew, some parents express confidence in their ability to monitor their children. Shufford mentions using the app Life 360 to keep track of her child’s whereabouts. “We gave birth to our children, so I feel like it’s our responsibility to make sure they’re doing right,” said Price, echoing a sentiment shared by many in the community.
Friday Night Football Games
As Homecoming Week often includes late-night activities such as the Friday night football game, parents are left wondering how this curfew will affect their plans. Lt. Hodges assures the community that officers will exercise discretion regarding the curfew for events like the game but emphasizes that parents should encourage their children to return directly home thereafter.
In summary, the curfew in Hueytown aims to foster a safe and enjoyable Homecoming Week for students and residents alike while managing the longstanding tradition of light-hearted pranks and the associated safety risks. With all eyes on the festivities, the local community hopes for a week filled with school spirit and camaraderie.
