The Lost Springs City Council discussed the speed of local traffic in town, and its potential threat to children and pets, during the June 14 meeting.
In attendance were Troy Madron Sr, Joyce Buckland-Rohloff, Jessica Moenning, John Zeiner, Frank Wirtz, with no visitors.
The speed limit in Lost Springs is 30 mph. Since this spring, seven pet dogs have been hit and killed by people speeding through town on Berry Street and Chicago Avenue. Speeds exceeding 55 mph have been clocked and ticketed.
At present, nearly 25 children live in Lost Springs. There is a real fear that the next fatality will be a child. All of the children play, ride their bikes and skateboards, walk or congregate the entire length of both streets, in particular Berry Street.
They’re not always watchful. They should be able to do all those things in a small town without the danger of being slaughtered by someone who wants to shave a few minutes off their drive time. People think that because there’s only one house on North Berry that it’s deserted—but it’s not. It’s highly populated with children playing.
The council discussed lowering the speed limit in town to 20 mph. Reaction by the residents has been favorable with several recounting near misses they’ve witnessed this year.
The 20 mph limit will be discussed again at the next meeting. The concensus is that a ticket for going 50 mph or more in a 20 mph zone will finally get people’s attention and get the message across to slow down in Lost Springs because we value our children’s safety.
The council thanked the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for its attention to this danger. Even though there are only two officers to cover the entire county—and some days only one—they have provided a real presence, and lots of tickets, since the situation was brought to their attention. Traffic is slowing down, particularly the huge, heavy railroad and farm machinery, and most of the cars and trucks.
Other business
The siren was successfully tested. Since Al’s Cafe is open on Wednesdays and next to the storm siren, someone from the council informs the staff and customers that the siren will be tested at 6:30 p.m. so they can be assured there’s no need for alarm.
The city received a thank-you note from the Marion County Food Bank for its $200 donation earlier this year. Frank Wirtz had noted there is a disproportionately high number of number of Lost Springs residents relying on the food bank. The donation was appreciated and always needed.
The council discussed street signs again. Some of the streets were renamed in November 2015, but the missing, damaged and new street signs have yet to be addressed.
Councilor Joyce Buckland-Rohloff said she found a website but needed to inventory the street signs in Wertz’s shop before getting an accurate list of what needs to be ordered. She also needed to know the length of poles to order and how much hardware would be needed. The cost will be about $2,000, unless the city can get it through the county cheaper.
Submitted by Joyce Buckland-Rohloff
