Ken Lott thinks the speed limit on old Highway 169, the preferred detour for many now that a total rebuild of the newer highway has started, should be put at 55 miles an hour. A week ago Allen County commissioners voted to make it 45, from Iola to Humboldt city limits.
Lotts rationale is that most drivers are impatient and ignore the lower limit, leading to backed up traffic and disregard for no-passing zones.
He gave his opinion to commissioners Jerry Daniels and Tom Williams Tuesday morning. Their companion on the board, John Brocker, was absent.
Lott, who lives on North Ninth Street in Humboldt, touted the higher limit for safetys sake. Two others, Dave Scantlin and Ernie Davidson who live along the old highway, did not agree.
I support 45 (mph), Scantlin said, allowing it was safer and higher speeds played poorly on the integrity of bridges and the highways pavement.
Commissioners gave no indication they would reconsider the lower speed limit, voted in place a week ago.
I know Mr. Lott is right, the lower speed frustrates drivers but they need to be patient, Daniels said.
This table (around which commissioners sit) cant fix stupid, Williams added, referring to disregard for speed limits and passing where prohibited by yellow lines or signs.
Daniels also recommended adding the 45 limit to a spur, originally a part of the old highway, that connects it to Delaware Road and Monarch Cement Companys plant. That will be decided next Tuesday.
In other business, commissioners:
Were told Wood-son County will join the Southwind Extension District on July 1, giving the consortium four counties. Others are Allen, Bourbon and Neosho.
Examined a new trash receptacle, found it to their liking and ordered nine more to be placed on the courthouse lawn. Cost of the 10 is $5,255. They will replace older vessels that have suffered from weather and use.
