Monticello City Council has requested that an ordinance be drafted to establish a pedestrian/school crossing at the intersection of Myrtle Street and Kidd Street on the Wayne County School campus. The action came a week ago Monday night during a council meeting, after members discussed some of the safety concerns with traffic and pedestrians in that area.
Eric Huffaker brought the request for the designated crossing to the council during the meeting. He noted that Myrtle Street “is a heavy traffic area” during morning and afternoon hours when school is in session. He explained that students and adults cross Myrtle Street during these times of high traffic volume and sometimes vehicles travel at a high rate of speed along the street.
In his request to the council, Huffaker also asked that the city place signs with flashing lights on Myrtle Street.
Councilman Alvin Sexton, who teaches at Wayne County Middle School, said he saw the need for this kind of action. He said the traffic volume at school is very high during drop off and pick up times and that there seems to be a larger number of students who are walking to and from school.
Councilman Allan Hopper asked if the ordinance regarding a crossing walk could be drafted. Mayor Jeffrey Edwards and Police Chief Ralph Miniard will take a closer look at the area and make their recommendations regarding possible solutions.
************************
A man has been arrested and charged with assault in connection with a two-vehicle collision that occurred last month on Bypass 90. According to the Monticello Police Department, Barry R. Rose III, 34, was arrested on Saturday, September 1 and charged with first degree assault.
The arrest was made following an investigation into the August 25 traffic collision, which resulted in the injury of an 11-month-old child. Police said the child remained hospitalized at the time of the arrest.
The collision apparently occurred near the Wal-Mart intersection. Both vehicles were traveling east on Bypass 90, and Rose’s vehicle struck the other vehicle in the rear. The infant was a passenger in the other vehicle involved in the crash.
The investigation continues by the Monticello Police Department.
************************
A local man was arrested on Friday, September 7, following a short foot pursuit in the downtown area.
Jimmy E. Clark, 25, was charged with disregarding a stop sign, reckless driving, fleeing or evading police first degree, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a vehicle, on a warrant for violation of a Kentucky EPO, contempt of court and failure to pay child support.
Officers also say they discovered a one-step meth lab in the vehicle that Clark abandoned. The incident occurred at about 10:30 a.m. last Friday, when a deputy with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department was traveling east on Michigan Avenue and observed a vehicle approaching the stop sign at the intersection of Vine Street and Michigan Avenue at a high rate of speed.
The vehicle proceeded east on Michigan Avenue and turned into a driveway. Officials said that the suspect stopped the car, jumped out and ran. A foot pursuit ensued west on Michigan Avenue toward Main Street.
Clark was apprehended on Short Street and placed under arrest.
Deputies then discovered an active one-step meth lab in the car.
Clark was lodged in the Wayne County Detention Center.
Deputies were assisted at the scene by the Monticello Police Department and agents with Operation UNITE.