08/29/2011
By Stephen Johnson
LOVES PARK (WIFR) --One Stateline neighborhood is fighting to keep a convicted sex offender from moving next door.
They are doing everything from holding group meetings to placing signs with strong messages in their front yards.
Park Hills Resident Brenda Haws said, "I just about fell down I couldn't believe it. It's scary, we have to do something. This just isn't safe."
Two weeks ago she received news that a sex offender would be living in her neighborhood this coming fall. Members of the Park Hills Neighborhood in Loves Park came together for a meeting this afternoon to discuss how they can protect themselves and their children with a felon living among them.
- I'm sure you have more than this one person who is a felon, in your neighborhood.
Parks Hills Resident Tonya Redding said, "It's a very free neighborhood for these kids to run around in and ride their bikes: it's scary"
Winnebago County States Attorney Joe Bruscato spoke at the meeting, answering several questions from the concerned community, ranging from sex offender laws to actions the neighborhood can take to maintain its safety.
Those who formed the informational meeting took charge by sending out flyers to over 500 homes in the area, by selling yard signs reading "registered offenders not welcome,” and possibly even barring his move to the neighborhood altogether.
By state law, no sex offender can live within 500 feet of a school, church or park area--the group says they'll do everything they can to make that a reality.
