HUMBOLDT Since May 2, Humboldt police officers have stopped 28 vehicles, part of the caravan of drivers avoiding the lengthy official detour for U.S. 169s rebuild, Officer Scott Aikins told city council members Monday evening.
Of those, 13 were cited for 17 violations, Aikins added.
That has occurred because old Highway 169, which courses through Humboldt on Ninth Street, is a shortcut of more than 40 miles compared to the KDOT-advertised detour on highways 54 and 75 and K-39 through Yates Center and on to Chanute.
An uptick in traffic was anticipated, Aikins allowed, and it has occurred, including out-of-state highway transports whose drivers learned on the quick the shorter route. The Kansas Highway Patrol has been active in trying to keep those long-haul trucks on the designated detour, and KDOT has improved and increased signage, but some still find their ways onto the old highway, now an Allen County road.
Youre never going to alleviate the regular traffic on Ninth Street (and the county road), Aikins predicted. He and other Humboldt officers have made Ninth Street a frequent patrol route. Most vehicles are obeying the towns 30 miles per hour speed, he added.
Better protecting children, who arent used to dealing with the influx of traffic, may be achieved by lower speed limits in town, along with signs, street markings and blinking lights, said City Administrator Cole Herder. School is out in a week, and he intends to discuss concerns with Kay Lewis, USD 258 superintendent of schools. With the construction company on site but not yet working on U.S. 169, the county road and Ninth Street through Humboldt will continue to cater to a proliferation of drivers seeking the shorter route between Iola and Chanute, either as destinations or as part of a longer journey.
IN OTHER NEWS, council members:
Listened as Larry Barnett gave $1,500 to Humboldts volunteer firefighters on behalf of his brother, Roy, who died recently.
Voted to leave in place the tall sign outside City Hall and decide later whether to repair or replace innards that once told time and temperature in bold lights. Herder sought a decision since the sidewalk along the south side of Bridge Street, in front of City Hall, will be replaced in June. He pointed out a streetlight will be erected about 10 feet to the east of the sign. Several council members bowed to nostalgia in a unanimous vote.
Were told Civil War Days, in mid-October, would be in Camp Hunter Park, at the southwest corner of town, rather than downtown as was proposed a few months ago. The celebration, including re-enactment of Humboldts burning by rebel renegades during the Civil War, had been in the park previously.
Turned down a request made a month ago by Carolyn Zellner to have a designated loading zone near her Heavenly Kneads and Threads store on the northeast corner of Bridge and Eighth streets.
Made the use of marijuana and similar drugs illegal in Humboldt, which opens the door for local officers to file misdemeanor charges for resolution in city court.
Agreed to make available up to $20,000 if a grant from the federal Economic Development Administration and one from Allen County, totaling about $672,500, fail to cover cost of extending utilities to an industrial park east of town.
Increased rates for admission to the municipal swimming pool by a modest amount in several categories.
Noted a Day of Pride will be downtown 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, featuring live music and other festivities. Local businesses will be celebrated. Music will be provided by Damaris Kunkler, Joey Evans and the Rev. Jerry Neeley.
