Special challenges and concerns crop up this time of year with cornstalks up and at maximum height.

With school starting next week visibility is very important at road intersections. There will be many school buses transporting students and many students driving to school.

The Carroll County Agriculture Association directors are asking members and area farmers to trim the tops out of corn stalks in the corners of their fields at road intersections. Road sides also need to be mown at these corners in order to have good visibility.

Several corners are not trimmed back at this time and some of the corners are not trimmed sufficiently for safe travel. These intersections need a clear line of vision for a minimum of 200 feet from the stop line down the adjacent road. There needs to be a clear zone from 3 feet to 8 feet vertically from the ground in order for drivers to see oncoming traffic.

Area police say that break-ins and crimes occur more frequently at this time of year, especially in rural areas. Crops can hide the criminals.

People who reside in the country need to keep their doors and windows locked, have outside security lighting and keep neighbors and family upto date on their activities.

If something does not look right, it probably is not and should be reported to police immediately so it can be checked out.

Because a resident reported an individual's suspicious behavior early one morning, Flora police were able to apprehend a burglar.

Corn is important to Carroll County, but it creates challenges that need special attention. Trim the tops out of cornstalks and trim roadsides to help with safe travel; it could save a life. And keep a watchful eye on properties surrounded by corn crops; it could prevent a break-in or theft.