Jeff Hajny

    The holiday season marks times to just let one's hair down and have a good time.
     First comes Christmas, which is usually a time for families to enjoy one another's company, and a week later will come New Year's Eve, which is a time to celebrate not only an ending, but also a new beginning.
     Celebrations for New Year's Eve in particular are synonomous with wild parties and boozing it up until the big countdown.
     After a few alcoholic beverages, people normally cannot function properly.
     The Seward community, and especially the police department, is addressing this issue.
     "There are several occasions during this time of year when alcohol may be present, including family gatherings, get-togethers and office parties," Sheriff Joe Yocum said. "This is a stressful time of the year, and people are just wanting to get together and unwind a little.
     "There are many times when people want to leave New Year's Eve parties without thinking things through. During this time of the year, the roads are still slick and even more hazardous."
     Yocum said the sheriff's office is assigning different deputies to different areas.
     "We in law enforcement want to protect the people on the streets who are trying to get back home," Yocum said.
     "We want to protect them from those that have been partying too much. Those people can take their case to the judge."
     Yocum also offered these tips for those who will be doing a little partying on New Year's Eve;
     • Be sensible and be cogniscent of how much you have had to drink;
     • Try to eat something. Food will help reduce the impact of the alcohol which you have consumed;
     • Have a designated driver; and
     • If a designated driver isn't available, have someone you can call who will be able to take you home.
     Yocum also recommended that those who are hosting the parties allow someone to stay at their place for the night if they cannot find a ride.
     "Having them sleep at your place for a night is better than having to go to their funeral," Yocum said.
     The most important part of celebrating during the holidays is knowing one's limits.
     "If you feel like you've had a little too much, you're probably right," Yocum said.
     Seward Police Chief Alan Baldwin said that they are prepared to make arrests during the night.
     Baldwin offered these tips for New Year's Eve;
     • If you plan on drinking, don't plan on driving;
     • Have a backup plan if you don't have a designated driver; and
     • Prepare for the holiday in advance so you can have an alternative route.
     "Don't forget that alcohol makes you feel warmer than you actually are," Baldwin said.
     "Be sure you are dressed and keeping warm as you head out for New Year's Eve."