photo by: Scott Hanson

MOUNDSVILLE — It is nearly time for all the little ghouls, goblins and Taylor Swifts to go door-to-door and ask for sweet treats during Trick or Treat sessions across the Ohio Valley.

And it’s up to children, parents and drivers to stay safe during the Halloween celebrations. Marshall County Sheriff Mike Dougherty said trick or treaters should carry a flashlight and not just their treat bag while going from home to home. During this time of year trick or treat sessions will be starting near dark and a flash light can help light sidewalks and roadways.

He also recommends that, if possible, children wear brightly-colored costumes and parents wear reflective vests or clothing while walking with their children.

Dougherty also recommends that parents check their children’s candy for signs of tampering or damage before it is consumed. He noted the sheriff’s department has tentatively planned using the Marshall County Courthouse X-Ray machine to scan children’s candy to check for metal from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 30.

“Thank goodness we haven’t had any incidents for a long time, but you never know. We have the equipment and it is available to use,” he said.

For those who plan to give out treats, Daugherty said people should have their porch light on or their Halloween lights on if they are outside waiting for trick or treaters to arrive.

He said extra sheriff’s deputies will be out patrolling during trick or treat. He said most volunteer fire departments also do patrols.

Dougherty said motorists who plan to be out driving during trick or treat should watch for children crossing the roadways.

“Any drivers need to be aware of kids and adults out there and drive slow. Give yourself extra time to where you are going,” he said.

Dougherty also recommends that people trick or treat in their own familiar neighborhood. He also believes a good age to allow groups of children to trick or treat without a parent is about 15 years old or older.

“A lot of that is kid-dependent,” he added.

OHIO VALLEY TRICK-OR-TREAT TIMES

Ohio County

• Valley Grove, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 31

• West Liberty, 5-7:30 p.m. Nov. 1

• Wheeling, 6:30-8 p.m. Oct. 31

Marshall County

• Benwood, 5-6 p.m. Oct. 31

• Cameron, 5-7 p.m. Oct. 30

• Glen Dale, 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 30

• McMechen, 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 30

• Moundsville, 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 30

Belmont County

• Belmont, 6-7 p.m. Oct. 31

• Barnesville, 5:30-7 p.m. Oct. 30

• Bellaire, 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 31

• Bethesda, 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 26

• Bridgeport, 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 30

• Brookside, 6-7 p.m. Oct. 31

• Centerville/Jacobsburg, 5:30-7 p.m. Oct. 26

• Flushing, 5-6:30 p.m. Oct. 26

• Lafferty, 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 31

• Martins Ferry, 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31

• Morristown, 5:30-7 p.m. Oct. 26

• Powhatan Point, 5:30-7 p.m. Oct. 31

• Shadyside, 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 31

• St. Clairsville, 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 31

• Yorkville, 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 31