News Editor

Urban legends, scary stories and sometimes frightening rumors typically surround Halloween. But this year some of the rumors that would have once been shrugged off by law enforcement agencies are being thoroughly investigated considering the terrorist attack on September 11 and the ongoing "War on Terrorism."

Monday evening the Federal Bureau of Investigation reissued it’s warning for Americans to be on the highest state of alert for terrorism because of new tips the bureau has received.

In Pike County authorities have continued in a state of alert since the attacks almost two months ago even though they have received no direct information about new terrorist attacks.

"We’re already on alert," said Sgt. Benny Scarbrough, public information officer for the Troy Police Department. "We all need to be concerned, but we don’t need to panic. We have not heard anything to pinpoint that a particular incident is going to occur."

Scarbrough said with tonight being Halloween there will be more officers on patrol simply because more people will be out on the streets and children will be trick or treating. He asked that everyone use good common sense and good judgement, not just while trick or treating, but at all times.

"If you see anything suspicious notify us and let us take care of it," he said.

Troy Police Chief Anthony Everage is depending on the "eyes and ears" of the community to help the police department if they see anything suspicious.

"We don’t mind being called," Everage said. "We want to be called, and we will contact the FBI if need be."

Pike County Sheriff Russell Thomas said that he and his deputies will continue to be on alert as they have been since Sept. 11.

"We’re all aware because of Lockheed Martin and the high activity on the major highways the run through Pike County, " Thomas said. "Several people what mentioned to me today that Dan Rather said on the news for everyone from Troy, Alabama to New York to be on alert. We are going to maintain what we are doing."

While local law enforcement agencies are keeping an eye on Pike County they are also working with other agencies in Pike County including the Emergency Management Agency.

Larry Davis, director of the Pike County EMA, said people really need to "just pay attention."

"People don’t need to sit at home," Davis said. "It’s like being around a pick pocket, people have to be aware of what is going on around them."

To ensure local law enforcement, emergency agencies, city and county officials are on the same page concerning safety in Pike County, a second emergency management meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the Troy Municipal Courtroom.