BEDFORD – Work continues on Lawrence County bridges and roads.
Work has been completed on Bridges 84 on Donica Church Road and 66 on Tunnelton Denniston Road. Bridge 66 is a 90-foot historic bridge with a 16-ton limit. Highway Department Superintendent Brian Sowders filed paperwork in September for federal funds to replace it.
Sowders reported crews are patching Goose Lane and Dutch Ridge roads this week and working on River Road after the recent washouts from heavy rains.
Sowders requested permission to install a warning sign about Amish buggies in Mitchell. The sign aims to enhance safety for both drivers and horse-drawn vehicle operators.
Sheriff Greg Day stated that a road study is unnecessary to place a simple warning sign. However, County Attorney David Smith expressed the need to review the current sign ordinance to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Smith will provide an update at the next commissioners’ meeting, during which further discussion and potential sign approval will occur.
Smith also noted that many Amish do not display the large orange triangles on the back of their buggies, which is required by law.
Emergency Management Director Valerie Luchauer reported her department had updated the county’s hazardous and risk assessment plans. She is also working on a risk assessment plan for the City of Mitchell.
Sheriff Greg Day reported that 80 inmates were in the Lawrence County Jail this morning. Of those, 73 were males, seven were females, six were Department of Correction holds, three were parole holds, and five were Level 6 felons.
