Hey ladies, cruise on over for iDiva insights

By Leanne Kleinmann
idiva@idivamemphis.com
May 11, 2006
You probably know that iDivamemphis.com, the Web site, was founded to be a place where women from all over the Greater Memphis area could ask questions, solve problems, and hand out advice.
Today there are some great resources on the site. Go to iDivamem phis.com and add your own.

In the Mommy Track category, susanl found a better site than the one I first posted: familywatchdog.us. It's a free way to find out whether registered sex offenders live near your house and your kid's school. There are also lots of good resources for families, including a video (watch the trailer free) called "Stranger Safety."
In the ever-popular Eat, Drink, Shop category, we're talking about where to find comfortable sandals; samida points out that "if you walk down the foot care aisle of some stores you will notice more pads, insoles and random products aimed at us 'stiletto slaves'."

And you'll like CA Fashion Editor Barbara Bradley's advice about accessorizing if you're not a hat person (the post is about her story about a hat shop): "... accessories are a great place to put your money. They give you value because they last, don't depend upon your clothing size, travel well, and make everything else look different.

"For me, prime accessories are big 'statement' necklaces (like medallion drops) in semi-precious stones, dyed fresh-water pearls, and some beaded jewelry in polished horn (really nice, smooth, light and well put-together), decorative leather belts and high-quality silk print scarves.

"And here's another little benefit you get from accessories: You'll find, over the years, they tend to give you a style. You're the lady with the beautiful scarves, for example."

Have a comment? Go to iDivamemphis.com.

Tracking Sex Offenders Near Your Home

POSTED: 5:36 pm EDT May 3, 2006

There’s increased public awareness that convicted sex offenders are living in all kinds of communities.
So, is there one on your street or living or working within feet of your child's school? Chances are, the answer is yes.
NBC 30 found out how you can help prevent your child from becoming part of another tragic statistic.
Steve Roddel, the creator of familywatchdog.us, said when it comes to protecting kids from sex offenders the answer is simple.
"Awareness is your best defense," he said.

Roddel, a father of three kids, started the site about a year ago after he learned a convicted rapist lived 600 feet from his home. The offender wasn't listed on the state sex offender registry. Roddel decided parents needed a better resource.

His site is updated every day, is free and simple to use.

Within minutes, NBC 30 discovered that there are 59 convicted sex offenders within a half a mile of Vincent E. Mauro Elementary School in New Haven.

And the schools are not required to notify parents when a sex offender moves in.

The only way to find out is to check the sites yourself. Police say every parent should do their research.

Not all convicted sex offenders are listed, so the risk out there is even greater than the numbers suggest.

In Connecticut, offenders who have committed sexually violent crimes or committed non-violent crimes against children are only listed on the registry if they were released from prison after October 1988.

Additional Resources:
FamilyWatchdog


For the latest news, stay tuned to NBC 30 Connecticut News and NBC30.com

Warrants issued for sex offenders
KTVO, MO - Apr 25, 2006

Watch the story:

(KIRKSVILLE, Mo.) Adair County Sheriff's deputies executed arrest warrants Tuesday afternoon for four sex offenders who they say have failed to comply with registration laws.

The four suspects are 54-year-old Paul E. Attebery, who is currently located in Illinois, 29-year-old David P. Colyer of Kirksville, 53-year-old Ronald J. Liebeck of Kirksville and 55-year-old Ernest G. Gotham, also from Kirksville.

All four face felony charges for failing to register with the sheriff's department. Each man is facing up to four years in jail, a $1,000 fine or a combination of the two.

Adair County law enforcement officials say sex offender registration is something they take very seriously. There are currently 50 registered sex offenders in Adair County. Each one is required to check in with the Sheriff's Department on a regular basis.

"State requirements for sex offenders are that they have to notify the sheriff's office within 10 days of changing their address or employment status. Every 90 days they have to come in and verify that they still live at the same address," said Chief Deputy Larry Logston.

"People need to know [that information] because they need to know who is next door or down the street so you don't just let your children out unattended," said Adair County Prosecutor Mark Williams.

There are ways to tell if there is a sex offender living in your neighborhood. Logston recommends two web sites which allow you to enter your address and see a map that indicates where sex offenders live. You can use the Missouri State Highway Patrol's web site or go to www.familywatchdog.us.

--Dana Jay, Reporting