(Posted May 11, 2022)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
Mount Sterling resident Gerald Spradlin says speeding vehicles are a problem in the village, and he wants to see something done about it.
“Over the years, there’s been an abundance of speeding in my neighborhood,” said Spradlin who lives on North High Street across from Veterans Field.
He brought his concerns to the May 9 village council meeting, adding that he worries about the safety of children who live in the area and that High Street isn’t the only problem spot.
Spradlin first contacted village leaders and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, which provides patrol for Mount Sterling, two years ago. He wants to see a plan put in place soon to deter speeders.
“I’ve had enough, and I think many people in my neighborhood have had enough,” he said.
Spradlin isn’t the first resident to address council about speeding vehicles. Others have expressed the same concerns in recent months.
Andy Drake, council president pro tem and chair of the streets committee, said the village is looking at short-term and long-term solutions.
Sheriff’s Deputy Jack Dill agreed that speeding is a problem in town, especially around 6:30 to 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. He said he would take the issue to his supervisor May 10.
“We’re going to get something done, whether it’s the (speed detection) trailer or deputies sitting two-three hours over there each day. That’s what we’re going to have to do,” Dill said. “We do have to do a better job, bottom line.
Mayor Marci Darlington requested that the Sheriff’s Office work with the village to set up a schedule for use of the speed detection trailer. Dill said he would help to make that happen.
Regarding increased patrols and ticketing, he noted that could mean increased overtime and court costs for the Sheriff’s Office and, if an offender contests a ticket, increased court costs for the village. He told village leaders to be prepared for complaints but also praise for the stepped-up enforcement.
Dill said the presence of the speed detection trailer should help with deterrence. A more effective deterrent, though, he said will be people witnessing others getting pulled over and ticketed.
Over the past couple of weeks, deputies have been all over town with the speed radar, watching for motorists committing stop sign violations, and taking pictures along London Street to monitor vehicles for violating parking time limits, Dill said. The department also has been working with the village to tow vehicles in non-compliance with other village ordinances.
Cleanup Days
Council member Joyce Phillips, chair of the nuisance and abatement committee, was thrilled to report the success of the Community Cleanup Days held April 30 and May 1. Volunteers conducted 29 pickups for trash at area residences. They also completed beautification projects around town.
Phillips said she was proud to be among a group of people with hearts for helping others. She talked about camaraderie and teamwork and praised Mount Sterling Church of the Nazarene who partnered with the village on Saturday and conducted their own cleanup mission on Sunday.
“You could just see the difference it made in the village. I mean, I’m still excited about it,” Phillips said.
