Wayne County Outlook

Posted March 20, 2019 at 2:03 pm

An ordinance that will allow golf carts to operate on city streets has been approved by the Monticello City Council. The council heard second reading of the ordinance, which establishes regulations regarding the operation of golf carts in the city, during its meeting held a week ago Monday.

The ordinance was introduced during a meeting in February, since there had been interest from some retirees who wanted to be able to travel to their neighbor’s home or go to nearby restaurants on golf carts, without having to move their vehicle.

The ordinance, which was approved by unanimous vote, will allow golf carts that are permitted and compliant with all applicable state laws to share city streets with other motorists. The city will charge a $25 permit fee for golf carts and they must be insured.

Only licensed drivers can operate a golf cart on a public roadway, and no one under the age of 18 can drive a golf cart on the street. Golf carts must be inspected to ensure they are compliant with the state requirements.

They must also display a slow-moving vehicle emblem, which is also in compliance with state law.

The ordinance includes a list of city streets where golf carts can legally be operated. The only exemptions inside the city are: North Main Street, South Main Street, Worsham Lane, and West Columbia Avenue.

The ordinance also prohibits the operation of golf carts on South Second Street, College Street, Dave Street, Myrtle Street, Ramsey Street, Kidd Street, and Kenny Davis Boulevard between the hours of 7:30-8:30 a.m. and from 2:30-3:30 p.m. during months when school is in session. This would ensure that golf carts do not get involved in school traffic around the Monticello or Wayne County campuses.

Council members had previously voiced concern about golf carts utilizing Hardwood Drive, since the road is narrow and traffic travels at a high rate of speed through that area. But several people had contacted the council noting that the street allows them access to the library and the post office.

Council member Lea Hammond suggested that the council take a look at what it would cost to widen Hardwood Drive and possibly construct a sidewalk in that area.

The golf cart ordinance sets penalties for violations. A fine of not more than $100 will be assessed for the first violation. A second offense could prompt a fine up to $250.

The ordinance will take effect following its publication.

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Five juveniles and one adult have been charged in connection to a series of burglaries that have occurred in the Conley Bottom area of the county.

According to Wayne County Sheriff Tim Catron, four residents in the Conley Bottom area were burglarized on February 1 and February 2.

Some of the residences and property were damaged during the burglaries.

The cost of the damages were more than $12,500.

Deputy Cody Neal and Deputy Joe Horne investigated the rash of burglaries, and charges were brought against six people.

Two juveniles were charged with two counts of burglary second degree and two counts of burglary third degree.

One juvenile was charged with two counts of burglar second degree and one count of burglary third degree.

A fifth juvenile was charged with one count of burglary second degree.

Catron stated that four of the juveniles were from Pulaski County and one was from Wayne County.

The adult, Janet Cann, of Monticello, was charged with six counts of unlawful transaction with a minor third degree.

All the cases have been turned over to the Wayne County Court Designated Worker’s Office and Wayne County Attorney Tom Simmons for prosecution.

Catron said the investigation was continuing.