To the editor:

Two members of the Douglas County Commission voted to close the Lecompton bridge for repairs.

Both represent districts in either eastern Douglas County or the city of Lawrence. Maybe, you are not familiar with our northwest community.

The Perry-Lecompton community has been tied together for generations. We share our businesses. The two cities, townships and area agribusiness seek fuel, food, hardware, elevator service and employees to carry on everyday business between the two.

We share our schools. How difficult will it be for a parent from Lecompton or Perry when they receive a phone call that their child is sick or hurt on the other side of the river? They must drive 40 miles to give comfort and aid.

No bus service for athletic events or practices; and it’s too far for children to walk. Forty miles twice a day to school.

We share our churches. And, finally we share our families. When grandma calls and says, “I don’t feel well today.” A 40-mile trip will be made, hopefully, to just make a cup of soup. Dad calls and needs help with his hay, “Sorry Dad, but it’s 7 by the time I get home from work and then to drive around, it’ll be after 10 before I get home.”

The dynamics of our families’ lives will change significantly.

Families, relatives and friends for generations have lived, worked, raised families and died along this curve of the Kansas River. Please reconsider the decision to close the bridge that will put stress on the bond between these two communities.

Dick and Waynie Wingfield,

Lecompton