Law Enforcement Brief

Scam telephone calls are typical this time of year. Callers purporting to be from Dish Network or the IRS have been reported to the Sheriff’s Department recently. While these calls are becoming a fact of life, law enforcement at all levels, local to federal, lack the resources to track down all of the criminals.

Another scam to be wary of involves a caller claiming to be a distant relative who is in trouble and needs bond money. Meier reminds people to check with local law enforcement, who can verify if this is indeed the case.

Sheriff Glen Meier encourages people to use caution with any questionable calls. If you haven’t entered into a contest or initiated contact with a company, ask yourself why they’re contacting you. “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t true,” he said.

Meier does offer advice to locals who may find themselves on the receiving end of these calls, “If you don’t recognize the number, don’t answer the call. If it’s important, they’ll leave a voice mail and you can call them back.”

Police Chief Bruce Barstad would like the community to be aware of a recent change in city ordinance regarding parking on city streets and alleys. Perviously, the ordinance allowed a vehicle to be parked on a street or alley for no more than 60 consecutive hours. This has been increased to a period of five days. Extension permits are available for up to 14 days. Parking extension requests are available at the city police department, 238 2nd Ave. S, or by calling 228-8050.

Another seasonal change in the parking ordinance went into effect Dec. 1, and will go through the end of March. For snow removal purposes over the winter, the parking of campers, RVs and watercraft will not be allowed on city streets or alleys. Barstad encourages owners to move these vehicles in the upcoming weeks as officers will be enforcing the new ordinance.

Barstad reminds the community to be safe and make good decisions over the holidays. There will be extra patrols now through the new year. Expanding on the public service announcement (see PSA from Glasgow Police, page 1A), he encourages anyone hosting a house party to exercise sound judgment. Anyone caught providing alcohol to underage individuals will face charges of endangering the welfare of children. In addition, they could face severe civil liability cases.