Letters: Hwy. 18 crossing needed to avoid tragedy

To the editor:

I can attest to the urgent need for a safe crossing for our children at the elementary school. Last Monday, I was picking up my grandchildren at the elementary school. As I turned into the drive, I was horrified as I watched a young girl trying to cross Highway 18. She would take a step forward to make a mad dash, then change her mind and step back as cars and semis whizzed by. She did this more than once, and I hoped I wasn’t going to see a child die today! I was relieved to see her finally make it across. I also saw children walking along the highway toward Dyno’s. Many are crossing Highway 18 by Dyno’s to the elementary school. When there is an event at the elementary and the parking lot is full, people park at the Catholic church and walk across there, too. It only makes sense to put rapid flashing lights there.

I can also see a need for rapid flashing lights near the Dollar General with a walking path to Fiesta Foods. Many times people are crossing there or walking to the highway to one of these businesses.

Sanborn has two rapid flashing lights along Highway 18 going through town for the school and businesses. We shouldn’t wait until a child or citizen gets killed to regret not making a safe crossing, especially when the funds are there to do at least one. The trail committee should be commended for their time and hard work to get this money to improve the town of Hartley. It is now time for the H-M-S school board and Hartley council to show support and make this happen.

Sandy Mohni,

Hartley