SIU, town brace for Halloween

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Shoe store owner Kim Treger says she's not worried that unruly street melees that have become a tradition here for most of the past 30 Halloweens will erupt again this weekend.

She says students have been more subdued since last month's terrorist attacks.

"There's a war on, baby," said Treger, who spent $100 replacing a window last year. "They're all so busy waving the flag and loving each other, I don't think it's going to happen."

Other owners of businesses near Southern Illinois University say new restrictions will likely dampen the spirits of partiers, who last year flooded downtown and lit small fires, broke windows and pelted police with rocks.

In the end, about 120 people -- about half of them SIU students -- were arrested on property-damage and alcohol charges.

This year, bars near campus will be closed today, Saturday, Sunday, and on Halloween night, and SIU has canceled classes all next week in hopes students will leave town, though university housing will remain open, SIU spokeswoman Susan Davis said.