Kirk and Janiece Burgess of Burley, are pleased to announce the recent marriage of their daughter, Kira Burgess to Sergio Andrés Rivadeneira, son of José and Susana Rivadeneira of Bella Vista, Tucuman, Argentina. Continue Reading

I love fall time.  The changing of colors, wearing sweaters, warm drinks like hot chocolate and apple cider and of course the start of some fun and inspiring holidays.

I moved to Burley at the beginning of the year and I have to say, I am in love with the country and this small town.  I love the safe and welcome feeling I get when I am about town.  I love the community feel, the commitment to positive hometown values and the patriotic heart this town has.

Having said that, I also know the challenges a parent can face as they work to raise children in today’s world.  The responsibility to keep our children safe, yet at the same time provide them with opportunities to grow and experience the world around them is more important now than ever.  This autumn season I would like to provide you with 5 tips for keeping your children safe during Trick or Treating while providing them with a fun experience during the Halloween season.

Go trick or treating to houses you know.  Even in a small town there are people you don’t know so it is best to stick the houses and areas that you are familiar with.  Also go in groups.  You may even want to opt for a Trick or Treat route where stops are pre-planned so you know what you are going to encounter.

It’s important to check all candy and treats your child receives before it is eaten. Home baked items are best left for other occasions.  Candy should be individually wrapped and sealed tightly.  If it is broken or opened, it is better to throw it away and replace it with some extra candy you have set aside beforehand.

Always make sure your children are within adult eyesight.  This would include bringing a flashlight, preferably more than one.  Children move fast and get really excited about all the fun things happening.  Make sure your focus is on them and it may even be appropriate to accompany them to the door of the houses they are knocking on so you know they are where they are supposed to be.

Remind your children of everyday safety rules such as no talking to strangers, looking both ways before crossing the street and always make sure your children stay away from open flames when wearing costumes.  Things such as capes, masks and props can unknowingly brush open flames in jack-o-lanterns and cause serious problems.

Last of all, it may be a good idea to feel your children a larger healthy meal before trick or treating so they are less tempted to eat their candy before you have the chance to inspect it.  If you have small children (2 and under) make sure not to let them have small hard candies, as these can be a serious choking hazard.

This is such a fun time of year and one that I look forward to sharing with my three children.  Remember there are a host of other fun activities in the community that you can take part in as well.  The local Straw Maze in Burley, the corn maze in Burley, the haunted Mansion in Albion, as well as the haunted forest in Declo.  Most of all keep in mind the importance of spending some good quality time with your family and take lots of pictures for memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Ashley Hull