Traffic, traffic, and traffic and heat
It has been a couple of weeks since I weighed in here with an opinion piece. I was glad to have guest editorials from Bill Krause, Scott Zogelman, and Rick Burcky. The opinions of others always are a good way to stimulate discussions and raise awareness of the issues that influence the communities served by this newspaper.
Case in point, the letter this week from Dave Stucky who disagreed with opinions about the solution to the problem at the U.S.-50/77 intersection. Opposing views are always welcome and Dave's letter is the kind we like to receive — to the point, succinct, not slanderous, and he signed his name. I don't happen to agree with his argument, but I am glad that he took a stand and stated his conviction. I hope others will do the same.
I still am of the opinion that a four-way stop at the U.S.-50/77 intersection is a death trap for motorists waiting to move on or turn. There are times when the traffic will be backed up beyond the rumble strips and the flashing caution lights the KDOT plans to install. The most obvious situation is when all those Kansas State fans from Wichita, who caravan to Cat football games, are lined up at the intersection and an 18-wheeler comes barreling along and cannot stop. There must be a better solution than a four-way stop.
In my opinion an overpass or a much-reduced speed limit approach like the 45 mph, that Walton managed to get, is a better option. If you agree, there still is time to sign the online petition. It is easy. Go to www.florenceweb.net and click where it tells you to, sign your name and town, and click on the box that says, "add my name." You may add comments if you wish. If you do not have a computer, call me and I will add your name for you.
We would like to get 1,000 names. Several hundred people have signed so far. The petitions are being sent to state, county, and area officials, KDOT people, and state and local media. Please be a part of this. The four-way stop is not a solution. Southern Marion County deserves better.
In a related topic, school starts this week. Please be careful as you drive your youngsters to and from their classes. Those of you in high school, watch out for the little guys on foot or on their bikes or scooters. Since I live on the main drag, I know how you love to cruise up and down the street early in the morning and after school. But watch out for the kids crossing Walnut Street. They may not be watching out for you.
Have you noticed that the newly- painted double yellow lines at the south end of Walnut do not go clear to the railroad tracks like they did before? I'm not sure what that means since the "No U-Turn" sign is still posted, but the U-turn activity seems to have increased. I suspect drivers are assuming it is OK to once again make the turn there. It is probably not OK to do that and I understand the fine is a stiff $85!
And how do you like this heat? At our house, the dog pants most of the day, our air conditioner can't keep up, and the water evaporates from the birdbath before we know it. I read in the big daily newspapers that in Iraq our troops have to battle temperatures of 130 degrees, in addition to everything else on their collective plate. Bless them and give me Kansas any day.
— SUSAN MARSHALL
