• A curfew is a good idea

My hat is off to Mr. Jim Cody, general manager of the Valdosta Stadium Cinemas for imposing the curfew on anyone under the age of 17 spending unsupervised evenings at the theater. This community is exhibiting dramatically increased unsupervised parenting. Such lack of supervision is a fertile ground for unruly and delinquent conduct which the court has to deal with on a daily basis.

The actions of Mr. Cody, hopefully, will send a message that there are those in responsible positions that expect parents to supervise their children and to get them off the streets at a reasonable time.

The Juvenile Court and its staff is dedicated to minimizing inappropriate and criminal conduct committed by anyone under the age of 17. In the event the theater or anyone else institutes law-enforcement involvement and charges are brought in the Juvenile Court alleging unruly or delinquent conduct, such as trespassing at the theater after warning, then, the court will be in a position to hear the evidence and deal with those who are found guilty of the offense.

Once again, congratulations to Mr. Cody for a positive step forward in creating a more responsible atmosphere in our community,

O. Wayne Ellerbee

Chief Judge

Valdosta

• Celebrate the Fourth safely

As American adults sport the red, white and blue for Fourth of July celebrations, Johnson Distributing Company reminds them to demonstrate true American spirit by being a designated driver or skipper. You’ll join the nearly two out of three adults — 137 million Americans — who have either been a designated driver or been driven home by one.

In addition, these tips can help keep your Fourth of July festivities fun – and safe: