Missouri’s sex offenders no longer must place “no candy” warning signs outside their homes on Halloween, a federal judge ruled, arguing that part of the state’s law is unconstitutional.
A state law enacted in 2008 prohibited registered sex offenders from going outside to interact with children and from having outside lights on, and they are required to post a sign warning that “no candy or treats” are offered at the home on Halloween night, according to Fox 2.
But U.S. District Judge John Ross on Wednesday ruled that the sign requirement portion of the law will no longer be enforced, starting this Halloween.
Ross said officials were permanently enjoined statewide from enforcing the sign requirement.
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Missouri’s sex offenders no longer must display “no candy” warning signs outside their homes on Halloween, a federal judge ruled. (Getty Images)
The ruling comes after Hazelwood, Missouri, resident Thomas Sanderson filed a lawsuit last year arguing that the sign requirement violated his First Amendment rights to free speech, claiming the statute forced him to make a statement he did not agree with.
Police arrested Sanderson shortly after Halloween in 2022, accusing him of setting up a large Halloween display and handing out candy to children.
Sanderson is on the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s sex offender registry list as a Tier Level II offender. He has been included on the state’s sex offender registry list since 2006, and a Tier Level II designation means he is required to complete a 25-year registration requirement.
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The judge said officials were permanently enjoined statewide from enforcing the sign requirement. (iStock)
Before 2022, the lawsuit says, authorities told Sanderson on two separate occasions — in 2008 and 2012 — that the statute did not apply to him because his conviction came before the requirement went into effect in 2008. Sanderson has held Halloween festivities every year since 2008 and was never issued a written or verbal notice that the statute applied to him, according to the original petition.
Sanderson pleaded guilty in April 2023 to one charge of failure to comply with Halloween-related restrictions for sex offenders, court records show.
U.S. District Judge John Ross ruled that the sign requirement portion of the law will no longer be enforced, starting this Halloween. (MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images)
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While Ross’ ruling on Wednesday means registered sex offenders in Missouri are no longer required to post a warning sign on Halloween, they still must follow the other provisions in the statute that require them to stay inside and keep outside lights turned off.
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Volleyball.
There is a new No. 1 team in Division 4 of the latest Michigan high school volleyball statewide rankings.
D4 saw a new team take over the top spot in the Michigan Interscholastic Volleyball Coaches Association as Clarkston Everest Collegiate relinquished its hold on the division for the first time this season.
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It’s another beautiful day on Tuesday with plenty of afternoon sunshine and the occasional high cloud drifting by. Temperatures remain above average with a high of 72 degrees in the Twin Cities metro. FOX 9 meteorologist Cody Matz has your forecast.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Another bright and sunny day with comfortable temperatures for your Tuesday.
It’s a cool start Tuesday morning with temperatures in the upper 40s across much of the state. In parts of northeastern Minnesota, things are even cooler with temperatures in the 30s and pocket 20s, with some areas experiencing patchy spots of frost.
Things heat up nicely on Tuesday, reaching the lower 70s across much of the state and the upper 70s in southwestern Minnesota. Northern Minnesota remains slightly cooler, with highs in the 60s.
The day will be pleasant, with little to no breeze, beautiful sunshine, and the occasional high cloud passing through. Overnight, the sky remains clear and calm as temperatures fall into the 40s across much of the state.
The warming trend continues through midweek, with highs nearing 80 degrees in southwestern Minnesota and in the mid-70s for the metro. The heat peaks on Thursday with temperatures in the lower 80s. Typically, the last 80-degree day of the year is at the beginning of October, so enjoy the warmth before cooler weather eventually sets in.
By Friday, temperatures dip back into the mid-70s and return closer to seasonable for the weekend. The start of the week is looking cooler with highs in the upper 50s expected for Monday.
Here’s a look at your seven-day forecast:
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The November election is four weeks away and there are a few dates and deadlines you need to know.
In Missouri, Wednesday, October 9 is the last day you can register to vote for the November 5 election.
In-person absentee voting starts October 22. The last day to request an absentee ballot is October 23, which must be returned by mail or in person by 7 p.m. on election day.
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In Arkansas, the last day to register is Monday, October 7, and early voting will start on October 21.
The last day to request an absentee ballot is October 29. It must be returned by mail at 7:30 p.m. on election day or in person by November 1.
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