By Robert Medley
Managing Editor
Okarche has never had a curfew ordinance on the books. But one has been created for safety of youths at the request of Police Chief Forrest Smith.
Monday night, the trustees voted to adopt the first one for the town.
Smith said he had proposed the curfew as a way to prevent problems before they happen and make the streets safer.
Okarche’s Main Street is U.S. 81, and with frequent traffic from tractor-trailers or oilfield trucks, safety is Smith’s first concern, he said.
The curfew will restrict youths from being out past 11 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and past midnight on Fridays and Saturdays for all youths under age 18.
“We’ve never had a curfew but we don’t want kids getting hurt. We’ve had a lot of kids wandering the streets. It all boils down to safety,” Smith said.
The curfew will take effect immediately as the trustees passed an emergency clause for the ordinance, so it will be in effect for the weekend Friday and Saturday.
He said warnings will be given to any youths who break the curfew, and police officers will be able to drive youths home if necessary.
“We’re pretty lenient. We want to keep our small town atmosphere,” Smith said.
Mayor Jeff Sadler said there have been a few times recently when teenagers were out too late on school nights.
“I think a curfew is a good thing. It seemed like something people support,” Sadler said.
Warnings will be issued to first-time offenders. Anyone who is repeatedly caught out past the curfew hours could face a municipal fine of up to $170.
