Busy intersection lit up

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April 20, 2016 - 12:00 AM

The north entrance to Iola, from U.S. 169 via Oregon Road, is more visible after overhead lights went into  service late last week.

The intersection has six fixtures, three on each side of the north-south highway. Oregon Road has seen an increase in traffic since Allen County Regional Hospital opened half a mile west on north Kentucky Street in December 2013.

County Commissioner Tom Williams proposed lighting the intersection with U.S. 169 and Oregon as a safety measure.

Mitch Garner, director of Public Works, told commissioners Tuesday the light standards were erected and the intersection was showered with light altogether beginning Friday night.

Cost of the project was about $29,000, Garner said.

 

A SOPHISTICATED surveillance system may be installed on the courthouse square.

Sheriff Bryan Murphy and Steve Prasko, of Advantage Computer, described cameras and support equipment that would provide 24-hour video of the courthouse square, and any activities within a quarter of mile, a permanent record.

The cameras would be strategically placed, giving detailed images up to a quarter of a mile away.

The cameras would have a separate server connected by fiber optic cable and “are something pretty special,” said Prasko. 

Commissioner Jim Talkington questioned whether such surveillance was overkill.

Prasko said he didn’t think so, given liability issues and proliferation of lawsuits in today’s society. The setup also would aid in fighting crime in downtown Iola.

Two less sophisticated cameras are mounted on the courthouse. One would be retained.

Bids for the proposal weren’t as complete as commissioners wanted, which led them to defer a decision to next Tuesday.

 

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