Independence sets trick or treat hours

Whether to trick or treat in Independence is up to parents and those who choose to hand out treats, but city officials recommend you confine your holiday fun to 4 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 31.

“Let’s leave it up to the parents,” said council member Rich Theisen Monday, drawing agreement from members Jason Ekern and Cleo Skroch.

Mayor Robert Baecker noted that the county health department did not ban trick or treating, but rather recommended against it.

“We ask everyone to follow the recommendations of keeping your distance from others and washing your hands,” Baecker said.

As has been the practice in other years, residents should turn their lights on if they wish to receive trick or treaters.

“And if you don’t want to, you don’t have to do either,” said member Brad Rebarchek.