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Speed limit change: Police chief gains OK to change limits after hours at school |
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Tuesday, 29 December 2009 |
By KRISTA HAYES
Staff Writer
WAYNESFIELD — In order to improve the safety for Waynesfield-Goshen School students, the southbound speed limit on North Westminster Street is scheduled to be reduced.
“I recently received a letter from the Ohio Department of Transportation stating that, per my request, they have researched the speed limit on North Westminster Street and have determined that the southbound speed limit should be altered,” Waynesfield Police Chief Nathan Motter said addressing members of the Waynesfield Village Council during their Monday regularly scheduled meeting.
During his report to councilors, Motter said in the next 30 to 45 days, the speed limit for the southbound lane of North Westminster Street is to be reduced to 35 mph from 50 mph, matching the 35 mph zone for northbound traffic in front of the school during non-school zone hours. During the school day, it is 20 mph.
“Currently, the speed limit is 35 mph for northbound traffic just north of school property, while southbound traffic has a speed limit of 50 mph just south of the school’s property,” Motter said. “Obviously it’s a safety issue, and vehicles currently going past the school at 50 mph need to know that just because it may be non-school zone hours doesn’t mean they’re aren’t school functions going on in or around the school.”
In addition, Motter also said that the Waynesfield Police Department is now participating in a national notification system called Nixle, allowing police departments across the country to issue alerts, announcements and other important notices to their local community via e-mail or text messaging.
“Standard text messaging rates apply, but if you have a texting cell phone plan, then there is no charge,” Motter said. “I have already issued weather alerts and general information through Nixle’s Web site, and signing up for the free service is easy. All one has to do is go to www.nixle.com and sign up.
“I can send out alerts from any computer that has Internet access,” he said. “I plan on using the service for road closures in town, boil water advisories, missing persons, individuals that the department is looking for, and any other community notifications that are deemed to be important to area residents.”
Motter noted that the Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office also utilizes Nixle, using the services it provides frequently.
Shortly after the November Waynesfield Village Council meeting was held, Motter said the Waynesfield Police Department, Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office, and the Auglaize-Mercer County Grand Lake Drug Task Force allowed a K-9 unit into Waynesfield-Goshen Local Schools to complete a drug search and sweep, at the school’s request.
“There were nine dogs and handlers present who were able to search the school and no drugs, alcohol, or even cigarettes were found,” Motter said.
“As a side note, the digital video system to install in the department’s police cruiser is in,” he also told councilors. “It has not yet been installed, but will be in the near future. A representative from Apollo Video Technology is planning on coming to the department to train me on the system’s functionality and how to put the video in service.”
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 30 December 2009 )
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