Following complaints, transient told to stay away from school

From the Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Following complaints, transient told to stay away from school

WOODSTOCK – Police and school officials at Westwood Elementary School in Woodstock are urging parents not to worry about a suspicious man seen in the woods near the school recently.

Following complaints from students last week and Wednesday, police developed a description of the man, tracked him down, and determined that his activity wasn't criminal, according to a news release from the Woodstock Police Department.

The man had been seen in the woods after school hours on two occasions, which alarmed several students. After investigation, police determined the man was a transient, the release said, and was warned against trespassing on school property or returning to the area near the school.

"We have increased supervision in the back of the school during arrival and dismissal times," Westwood Principal Jared Skorburg said in a letter to parents regarding the reports.

Skorburg encouraged parents or students who observe suspicious activity to notify the school if an incident arises.

– Diana Sroka