By Lori EhdeMagnolia teenagers must be off the streets by 10 p.m., according to a new city ordinance that went into effect last week.According to the ordinance, it’s unlawful for anyone younger than 18 to be on the streets or public places between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., unless they’re accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.The ordinance was introduced to Magnolia City Council members on April 14 in response to complaints about young people running in the streets late at night.Magnolia has always had a 10 p.m. curfew for 16-year-olds and younger, but the new ordinance targets those in the 16 to 18 age group.According to Rock County Sheriff Mike Winkels, there had been reports of minor vandalism around town that residents suspect were caused by young people out late at night.Winkels said no one has proof of this, but he did say parents support the ordinance, because it will put more teeth into their own household curfews."There’s been some late-night mischief, but nothing serious," Winkels said Tuesday. "They (council members) thought this would help some of the parents give stronger guidelines."The ordinance further makes it unlawful for parents and guardians to allow their minor children to loiter in the streets unaccompanied past curfew, providing an added incentive for parents to enforce their own house rules.The ordinance was passed at the June 9 council meeting, and published in the July 3 Star Herald legal notices. It went into effect July 10.Anyone, parents or minors, caught violating the ordinance faces petty misdemeanor charges.
