Archive for Tuesday, September 11, 2007
2 road crew workers killed in hit and run
U.S. 59 repaving project suspended until next week
Area emergency personnel work the scene of a hit-and-run accident where two construction workers on U.S. Highway 59 were killed Sept. 11 between North 800 and 900 roads at Pleasant Grove. Construction crews had been repaving the road.
September 11, 2007
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2 men killed in hit and run
An accident on Highway 59 this morning ended with the deaths of two construction workers and a chase for the suspects. Enlarge video
The front end and windshield of a 2002 Chevrolet Pickup truck show damage after a hit and run that killed two highway workers south of Lawrence.
Highway 59 accident
Footage of emergency crews responding to the scene of the fatal accident on Highway 59. Enlarge video
Statement about fatal accident
Lt. Kari Wempe, Douglas County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman, gives the official statement about the accident on U.S. Highway 59. Enlarge video
Two construction workers were killed in an accident Tuesday morning, south of Lawrence
More about the accident
Investigators are trying to determine why a motorist barreled through a construction area Tuesday morning, killing two highway workers.
Two women were taken into custody when the truck they were traveling in was stopped by law enforcement officers after an 11-mile chase that led into Osage County. A spike strip was used to flatten two of the truck's tires. Charges are pending.
"The investigation will probably take a number of days," said Kansas Highway Patrol Lt. John Eichkorn.
Eichkorn declined to speculate on the circumstances of the incident that occurred shortly before 10 a.m. on U.S. Highway 59, 4 miles south of Lawrence at the south edge of Pleasant Grove.
"I think it is important to let the investigators gather all of the information necessary before we make a determination," he said.
One of the victims was identified as Tyrone T. Korte, 30, of Seneca, an engineering technician who had worked for the Kansas Department of Transportation since 2002. The second victim was Rolland "Ron" Griffith, 24, of El Dorado, an employee with Dustrol Inc. of Towanda, a contractor for the highway repaving project that began Monday. Griffith had worked for Dustrol for less than a year, said Jean Thompson, the firm's safety director.
Both were wearing safety vests, officers said.
The women in the truck, a 2002 Chevy with South Dakota plates, were Ramona I. Morgan, 48, and Sabrina J. Morgan, 26, both of Chewelah, Wash. Authorities said Ramona Morgan was the driver. The women were detained and being interviewed in Osage County, Eichkorn said Tuesday evening. It was not clear whether they were under arrest or in jail.
At the scene
Lauretta Hendricks Backus, a retired art teacher who lives southwest of Lawrence, was taking her cat to the Baldwin Junction Veterinary Clinic when she saw the first signs of trouble.
As she traveled south on U.S. Highway 59, construction narrowed the road to one lane, while a worker standing in the roadway carried a stop sign to hold up traffic. Backus slowed down; the truck ahead of her did not.
"There's this one truck ahead of me," Backus said Tuesday evening. "And I see the flag person waving frantically, like 'Stop, stop, stop!'"
The truck did not stop, Backus said, instead driving ahead - striking the stop sign and snapping it in half, speeding up over the hill and out of sight. The worker, unharmed, frantically began calling to her colleagues on the other side of the hill to warn them about the truck.
Backus soon learned that two construction workers were hit.
Douglas County Sheriff's officers and Highway Patrol troopers along with area fire and ambulance crews responded to the incident after emergency dispatchers received a 911 call. Because of the construction project, traffic was already narrowed down to one lane. Flaggers and pilot cars were guiding traffic through the 3-mile work zone. Traffic soon backed up for more than a mile in both directions from the crash scene.
At 10:12 a.m., a Highway Patrol trooper saw the truck on U.S. Highway 56, Eichkorn said. The trooper attempted to stop the truck and a pursuit began. The chase ended 10 minutes later south of Scranton after Osage County officers deployed spikes on the highway.
U.S. 59 was blocked to through traffic at Douglas County Road 458 north of the accident scene and North 650 Road south of the scene. Special accident investigative teams from the Highway Patrol and sheriff's office were called. That section of the highway remained closed late Tuesday night. Eichkorn said he expected the highway to reopen by this morning's rush hour.
Both lanes will be open this morning. The repaving project has been suspended until next week.
Highway accidents
Two KDOT workers were killed in construction zone accidents in 2005. They were the first employees killed since November 1997.
Yong Bai, assistant professor in Kansas University's School of Engineering, said accidents in highway working zones are a serious problem, but rarely do they involve construction workers. According to a 2006 study Bai helped conduct for KDOT about work zone accidents, there were 15,434 work-zone crashes reported in Kansas and 39 percent, or 4,600 of them, involved injuries or fatalities between Jan. 1, 1992, and Dec. 31, 2004.
Most work-zone crashes occur in daylight and when there are no adverse weather conditions.
"Most of the time, we find that people just do not pay attention when they approach a work zone," Bai said.
That comes as no surprise to Mike Perkins, manager of operations at the Douglas County Public Works Department.
"Probably the biggest problem you see today is inattention," Perkins said. "Working on a highway is a dangerous job. It is a frightening experience."
Managing editor for convergence Joel Mathis contributed to this report.
12 September 2007
at 5:58 a.m.
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logrithmic (Anonymous) says…
This road did not need repaving. And as all know, in a couple of years the road will be rebuilt as a 4-lane highway and the portion that is being repaved will be turned into a service road, thus a total of 6 lanes from Lawrence to Ottawa.
Beyond the blame assigned to the woman who actually struck the workers, KDOT is responsible for this taxpayer ripoff. Without the ripoff, there would have been NO hit and run.
12 September 2007
at 6:28 a.m.
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busymom (Anonymous) says…
So are you saying that KDOT should be the ones on trial?
Thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of the workers.
12 September 2007
at 6:42 a.m.
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blue73harley (Anonymous) says…
log - that is absolutely the most inane posting I think I have ever seen. Using that logic, I suppose you could also blame Chevy for making the truck or the oil companies for selling them the gas. Go drink some coffee or something and wake the hell up.
Condolences to the families and friends of the workers.
12 September 2007
at 6:53 a.m.
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logrithmic (Anonymous) says…
KDOT should be on trial for a number of taxpayer ripoffs - the repaving of this highway when a new 4-lane version is planned in the next couple of years, as well as the huge tax giveaways to landowners to buy rights for the SLT. There are probably many more similar KDOT ripoffs through out the state, if one had the time to research it.
No, KDOT should not be on trial for yesterday's outrage. But I stand behind my statement: No paving, no outrage.
12 September 2007
at 7:07 a.m.
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compmd (Anonymous) says…
“It was not clear whether they were under arrest or in jail.”
In jail implies being under arrest…
12 September 2007
at 7:09 a.m.
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openminded (Anonymous) says…
It was an awful accident that just happen to occur while KDOT was in our neighborhood. After many years of neglect, that highway needed to be redone and why not right before the new one comes in? It will be a frontage road and turned over to the county for maint. so KDOT is doing DG county residents a favor in the long run. log-do you live out here by the accident? I do and am deeply moved by this whole thing.
During construction of the new highway, there will be lots of traffic on the old one, another reason to repave. Logic is behind everything KDOT does. I agree, wake the hell up and stop speaking from your pocketbook instead of your brain.
I am sorry for the losses-my thoughts are with the families.
12 September 2007
at 7:10 a.m.
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openminded (Anonymous) says…
comp-you can be detained and not be under arrest.
12 September 2007
at 7:12 a.m.
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logrithmic (Anonymous) says…
There is absolutely no rational reason to have six lanes of asphalt between Ottawa and Lawrence. KDOT is nothing more than a handout to trucking and development interests, all financed by the taxpayer. Witness the amount of money KDOT paid to private property owners for right of way for the Western Leg of the SLT.
It is clear that the widening of this 59 highway is designed to increase truck traffic from I35 to I70 with the SLT being part of the mix and to open up more land for McMansions and subdivisions south of the “bridge to nowhere” (also brought to you by KDOT). Truck soot and noise will be just some of the fallout from these highway subsidies that are not in the interest of the taxpayer.
And these workers died unnecessarily to boot…..
12 September 2007
at 7:17 a.m.
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openminded (Anonymous) says…
log-it is clear that you don't live out here and see that this widening is a NEED. Primarily for us, the DG residents. I appreciate your opinion but if you don't live out here and drive that hiway everyday, how can you comment like that? That hiway has moved residents out of their homes, taken their farm land, cattle grounds, businesses, etc. This is something that needs to be done for us, the people who live here and want something better. If you are so against KDOT, move! I'm sure there are other states that need your complaining…
12 September 2007
at 7:20 a.m.
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riverat (Joe Hyde) says…
Only speculation on my part, but KDOT may have ordered this section of U.S. 59 repaved now because once the Ottawa/Lawrence Freeway is completed the “old” highway will be turned over to Franklin and Douglas counties and officially become a paved county road — at which time the two counties assume future maintenance costs. (Money that won't be easy to find given today's tight budgets.)
In other words, KDOT is doing us a favor by repaving the highway now at state expense; the roadway is being put in prime condition before ownership gets transferred to us.
This accident — if it is one, and not a deliberate vehicular homicide — is tragic. I drove through that repaving zone Monday afternoon. It's a very busy work site, congested with lots of personnel and equipment, and the crew is doing very nice work.
Hit and run. Two road crew workers killed. Spike strip required to stop the fleeing driver. “The book” is about to get thrown at somebody.
12 September 2007
at 7:31 a.m.
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booze_buds_03 (Anonymous) says…
Being the construction engineer that log thinks he is as well as assuming that he knows everything there is to know about this project, I can see why he is posting such inane comments. Sounds to me like they were trying to repave a section of road that needed it before construction started on the 4 lane highway. Maybe they were trying to make it safer, so that as increased traffic and larger vehicles use the road during construction, the road would hold up and stay safe. Under the same faulty logic that log uses, I will then blame the make of inefficient combustion engines, the wheel and last but not least fire.
12 September 2007
at 7:33 a.m.
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MacHeath (Anonymous) says…
Logrithmic…
I have driven that road for nearly 40 years. Your suggestions that 59 is
bing improved merely to increase truck traffic, and facilitate constrution..as
as well as your postulations about KDOT.. are in a word, inane
12 September 2007
at 7:38 a.m.
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MacHeath (Anonymous) says…
…not to mention the fact that using this tragedy to vent your idoitic
rantings is crassness beyond belief.
12 September 2007
at 7:39 a.m.
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kayakncolo (Anonymous) says…
Why were both women jailed, I wonder… Log- your way out of line….My prayers go out to families..
12 September 2007
at 7:40 a.m.
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logrithmic (Anonymous) says…
Open,
First, I use this highway at least once a week, if not twice, generally on the weekends. So I know the area well. I know that it supports traffic just fine at the posted speed limit. Do I see problems with the road? Yes. For one thing, the curb cut at the intersection of 460 and 59 that permits access at a 45 degree angle at that Zarco should be closed. There was a horrible accident there not too long ago and my belief is it was related to that.
Second, you write: “That hiway has moved residents out of their homes, taken their farm land, cattle grounds, businesses, etc. This is something that needs to be done for us,” Moving residents out of home, taking farm land, cattle ground and businesses is doing something for “us?” How can you justify any of that just so trucks can take a shortcut between Ottawa and Lawrence?????
Boozebuds (appropriate name),
Your silly attempt to put words in my mouth is simply sad. The fact remains - no repaving, no accident (or manslaughter depending on what the investigation says).
12 September 2007
at 7:45 a.m.
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trinity (Anonymous) says…
log, geez…just can it woulda ya? take your soapbox someplace else.
heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and neighbors in this area whose lives have been affected by this.
12 September 2007
at 7:51 a.m.
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logrithmic (Anonymous) says…
I have posted my disgust with many KDOT activities prior to this accident and will continue to do so. This repaving was unnecessary, is a waste of taxpayer dollars, and will not be suspended as a result of this tragedy.
All this tragedy does is highlight the misuse of taxpayer dollars and the need to slow down and pay attention when in a work zone.
The driver of this vehicle did nothing right and did everything wrong. She deserves what she gets. But I am not concerned with the “hang em high” drivel that this kind of straw dog incident has on the readership of this newspaper. I'm concerned with why this road was repaved to begin with and why KDOT continues to use our taxpayers to subsidize the trucking and construction industries. We need a new perspective on economic development, one that doesn't rely on pavement and the taking of peoples homes and farms to make way for it.
12 September 2007
at 8:06 a.m.
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olddude71 (Anonymous) says…
log If you are so much against KDOT and what they do, why do you drive on their highways? Why not take the back roads from Lawrence to Ottawa? Just think what the highways would be like without KDOT. About the tragic wreck at Zarco, the woman ran a stop sign. What does that have to do with any curb cut?
My thoughts are with the families and friends of the young men that died yesterday.
12 September 2007
at 8:08 a.m.
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Chicago_JHawk (Anonymous) says…
log- An article about the unfortunate, preventable deaths of two highway workers doesn't seem to be the appropriate forum for your complaints about KDOT and their “misuse of taxpayer dollars”. Take your comments elsewhere. Why not contact KDOT with your concerns?
12 September 2007
at 8:09 a.m.
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Nanashi04 (Anonymous) says…
This is such a sad story, that two people so young were killed just doing their job. It's terrible the things you hear about today, and I find it disturbing how so many people have become so used to bad news that it no longer affects them. Instead, they would rather bicker over a vaguely related issue…
That really is not fair to the family and friends of those two people, and rather insensitive to those who will continue to work on that road (or any road). It doesn't really matter if the highway needs redone or not, it's still going to happen, it's already started. Now is a bit late to be debating the issue. If nothing else, remember that those highway workers have families to feed just like the rest of us.
I send my best to the families, friends, and fellow workers.
12 September 2007
at 8:11 a.m.
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samsnewplace (Anonymous) says…
nanashi04 I agree with everything you've just said, log go crawl under a table somewhere because no one wants to hear you on this blog. My sympathy to both families in their loss.
12 September 2007
at 8:13 a.m.
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n8n2010 (Anonymous) says…
Technically US-59 is not being repaved. KDOT is using a process called hot in-place surface recycling, saving the tax payers a significant chunk of $. Appoximately half of what a repave would cost.
For more info…. http://www.dustrol.com
12 September 2007
at 8:16 a.m.
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CindiCat (Anonymous) says…
Again, I will offer my prayers to the families. So tragic.
As for LOG's posts/comments who is notorious for his/her “2 cents”………I think everyone else has taken care of that for me and I honestly have nothing else to add to that.
12 September 2007
at 8:17 a.m.
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DonQuipunch (Anonymous) says…
>>>logrithmic (Anonymous) says:
There is absolutely no rational reason to have six lanes of asphalt between Ottawa and Lawrence.<<<
As a survivor of a head-on collision on US 59 (no, I was not at fault), I beg to differ.
59 is dangerous as it is now and there have been a LOT of accidents there. It needs to be at least 4 lanes.
12 September 2007
at 8:32 a.m.
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domino (Anonymous) says…
Riverat was probably on the right track - I know from talking with a former KDOT employee that many when a new section of road is going to be layed and an older road turned over to the county, the KDOT is required to repair the existing roadway (or bridge) to meet certain specifications. I wouldn't go so far as to say the KDOT was “doing us a favor” but rather, doing what was required. Log is entitled to his opinion but I feel he choose a poor way to express it when families are suffering as these are.
My sympathies to the families of these two young men. Such a needless loss and tragedy. My prayers are with you.
12 September 2007
at 8:37 a.m.
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logrithmic (Anonymous) says…
I've not said anything to dishonor the families of these workers or the workers themselves. The two men killed were just doing a job and as someone posted, “feeding their families.”
My comments are not in any way meant to disparage them.
My comments go to the heart of the matter. KDOT is simply a conduit for taxpayer subsidies to trucking and development interests. KDOT should be funneling trucking on to major interstate highways rather than constructing short cuts. I've driven this road a number of times this year and never had any problems navigating it. There was no reason to pave it, period.
If KDOT were concerned about safety, it would close the curb cuts at the Zarco station which is on the southwest corner of the intersection of 59 highway and 460. The road and the asphalt of the station merge. There is not curb so people buying gas at this station pull on to the road at a 45 degree angle at an intersection where, at least on 59 highway, the speed limit is 55 mph. This is a recipe for more fatalities. The schoolteacher that died collided with a truck at that spot.
But rather than doing something that would enhance safety, KDOT instead decides to build a 4-lane highway next to an existing 2-lane highway.
And the first time I was made aware of the repaving of the existing 2-lane highway prior to the building of the 4-lane highway was when it was published in this paper, far too late to object to KDOT or anyone else.
I am not paid to be a watchdog of state agencies like KDOT. So to respond to them directly is ridiculous. Often decisions like repaving 59 highway are made behind closed doors without public scrutiny. You can stand by and let your tax dollars be wasted if you want. I for one will write and object to it as I see fit.
Regards the criticism that my comments are inappropriate, I know that many of you chose to come to this forum simply to condemn the driver who killed these two men. This driver needs to be chastised, but I am not here to participate in a public stoning. I'll let you midieval types do that on your own.
12 September 2007
at 8:42 a.m.
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autie (Anonymous) says…
Logrithmic apparently doesn't understand the basic concepts involved in the distribution of goods and resources as it relates to economic development and the prosperous exsistence of any community. Those trucks that he claims are subsidized by KDOT haul in every product imaginable..mundane items like food, clothes, cars, books, medicine..on and on and on. Lawrence is obviously a rapidly growing area and the need for better connector roads becomes essential. And that benefits everybody in every way. Growth and development generally equal more sales tax revenue as well as increased valuations on property which can eventually have the net effect of lowering property taxes depending on the mil..Long term investment for the future. Not that this has a thing to do with the article..just had to respond to the ignorance.
12 September 2007
at 8:51 a.m.
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Centrist (Anonymous) says…
log … you're a bloody idiot.
'nuff said.
12 September 2007
at 8:56 a.m.
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Centrist (Anonymous) says…
A decent highway is absolutely needed between Lawrence & Ottawa, for all drivers, not just trucks. And if the new road is a couple of years away, well, why not repave. KDOT are simply doing their job.
What next? Should we argue that no roads in Lawrence should be fixed, just in case someone else does this? Give me a break. This was a horrible accident, caused by the actions of one driver. It was the driver who erred, not KDOT, who are simply doing what they need to do.
It's still unbelievable that someone would race through a construction zone. I just don't understand the stupidity of humans any more. I hope they throw the book at these people. Actual lives were lost. Let's not forget that.
12 September 2007
at 9:13 a.m.
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logrithmic (Anonymous) says…
No Autie. I understand them well. Money to be made for private interests at the expense of the public good. It's an age old sham. Replayed over and over again. You can see the results. Simply visit any inner city area that is blighted and run down.
Trucks should be channeled on to highways established for trucking - i.e., the interstate highway system. We should not build new roads to accomodate them. By making a 6-lane 59 highway, KDOT is supporting a growth strategy that will populate the farmland between Ottawa and Lawrence. And, if the property owners along this highway won't sell, their lands can be confiscated via eminent domain. According to the Supreme Court of the U.S., anyone that can produce more tax revenue on the same land has the right to ask the state to condemn the land. This is a fact folks.
I'm not against making the road safer. But I believe that is not the reason KDOT is creating this monstrous asphalt strip through the center of the county.
And for those who cannot read, I am not saying that KDOT “caused” the accident. I'm saying that if they hadn't repaved the road, there would be no accident. There is a huge difference.
12 September 2007
at 9:19 a.m.
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cousin (Anonymous) says…
Thank you to all for your sympathy comments. Log, my cousin was killed in that accident. This is not the place to complain. Take it to KDOT directly if you have a problem.
12 September 2007
at 9:21 a.m.
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dirkleisure (Anonymous) says…
log - the reason KDOT is resurfacing this road is to handle the top-secret traffic on its way to Manhattan when the new Bio-Terror facility is built.
Duh.
Everyone, you need to realize that the paving of “old” 59, the bio-terror facility in Manhattan, and the birds which occasionally crap on log's roof are part of a massive government conspiracy to destroy our society.
Join logrithmic… or pay the consequences!
Seriously, if logrithmic wanted to post something worthwhile, he would explain to us why he still matters in a world where a calculator costs $0.99 at Wal Mart.
12 September 2007
at 9:25 a.m.
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logrithmic (Anonymous) says…
My condolences to you Cousin, but this is a news forum. My comments are appropriate.
12 September 2007
at 9:25 a.m.
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maveric (Anonymous) says…
Anonymous user
logrithmic (Anonymous) says:
I've not said anything to dishonor the families of these workers or the workers themselves.
Anonymous user
logrithmic (Anonymous) says:
This road did not need repaving. And as all know, in a couple of years the road will be rebuilt as a 4-lane highway and the portion that is being repaved will be turned into a service road, thus a total of 6 lanes from Lawrence to Ottawa.
Beyond the blame assigned to the woman who actually struck the workers, KDOT is responsible for this taxpayer ripoff. Without the ripoff, there would have been NO hit and run.
BOY you got allot of balls and nerves to down talk people who make roads you drive on and to make them better, who are you to degrade the poeples family like you are and also by your post I posted above stating (KDOT is responsible for this taxpayer ripoff. Without the ripoff, there would have been NO hit and run.) rip off lol, then stop driving on the freakin road and go back to your gravel ways lil punk, people like you are a disgrace for the society and I would knock you out for both workers killed and there families because you have no heart and your lowlife trailer park trash behind should of never made the most rudest comments I ever seen for people who provide your lowlife a road to drive on you lil punk, I wanna knock you out so bad it aint funny grow up and be a man or what ever you are but as I see you, your nothin to society to me to leave heartless and rude comments so pay your taxes you scam artist and git a real life trailer park trash, people like you that have no heart make me sick and need to have your account removed and blocked from here permanately by starting with your IP address through your IP provider and your account here, people like you don't need to be here PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!
12 September 2007
at 9:28 a.m.
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bmelm (Anonymous) says…
Hey log. The death of the school teacher had nothing to do with the curb area by Zarco. She was headed west on 460 and ran the stop sign. I live adjacent to 59 and travel it daily. I don't see a problem with pulling in and out of Zarco at a 45. I actually find it easier than pulling out onto 59 from a 90. The bigger problem is when trucks park there 5 ft from the road so you can't see when you are pulling out. I think it is better to refinish the road now than to wait until it has become past the point of being a nuicance to drivers. And you are only going to end up with a 4 lane hwy. There are still businesses and people that will live on the old 59 used as a frontage road. It's better thasn having a driveway that connects to a 70 MPH road I would think, or the having property on both sides of the road being used to repace the existing road.
12 September 2007
at 9:33 a.m.
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can8iv66049 (Anonymous) says…
soooooo…..Anywho!!!
How 'bout them Jayhawks?
12 September 2007
at 9:38 a.m.
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livinthedream (Anonymous) says…
Cousin-Sorry for your loss.
LOG-Cousin has a point-take is somewhere else.
12 September 2007
at 10:10 a.m.
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bakergirl (Anonymous) says…
Log
You can tell that you have never worked on road construction site. I have along with a lot of my family members. I also grew up with Ty. You act like they are trash tossed on the side of the road. Leave these families alone and shut your yap. I have seen so many accident while working for KDOT. Blame the people who are rushing to pass traffic by using the off ramp and speeding up the on ramp to save time. Guess what happens when doing this. They roll. Blame the truckers who fall asleep through road construction and hit flaggers. Should KDOT not fix any road since obviously every accident on our roadways is there fault. Or should we blame the teacher who did not teach Ramona the STOP! Guess this accident was the teachers fault. This was the actions of the driver and absolutely no on elses. How would you feel if this was your family? Or better yet you? Get a life!
My heart goes out to the Korte family and Rolands family.
12 September 2007
at 10:15 a.m.
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just_ducky (Claire Williams) says…
Logrithmic: (isn't it acutally logarithm? Perhaps somebody stole your “a” along with your common sense and ability to research the issues.)
I used to drive this highway every day from Ottawa to Lawrence during 2000-2002. I still drive it (now the opposite way from Lawrence to Ottawa) about once a week. US 59 is a very heavily traveled road. I cannot count the times I have seen people in regular passenger vehicles (not semi trailers) pose risks to others by passing unsafely, speeding, or not watching/yielding at the 59/56 intersection (before they put in the stop signs). It is a dangerous highway, and I will be very happy to see it widened. At the US 56/59 intersection alone, between 2002 and 2005, 36 accidents occurred - 17 resulting in injuries.
Here is a direct link and some quotes of the KSDOT's evaluation of US 59 and the reasoning behind their decision to expand it to four lanes: http://www.ksdot.org/offTransInfo/New…
“U.S. 59 was built as a two-lane highway in the 1920s to serve a rural population and to connect the relatively small towns of Ottawa and Lawrence. Today, U.S. 59 remains a two-lane highway, but now it is traveled by up to 10,000 vehicles every day. As this number increases, so does the number of accidents, injuries and overall safety concerns. From 1995-1999, U.S. 59 averaged an accident every 4.9 days, an injury every 9.5 days and a death every 5.4 months. This total accident figure is 25 percent higher than the number of accidents occurring on similar roadways throughout the state.”
I would say that a 25% hike in the number of accidents compared to other two lane highways in the state is well worth the expense of widening it. As a taxpayer, I can get behind something that makes it safer for me and my loved onces.
12 September 2007
at 10:16 a.m.
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just_ducky (Claire Williams) says…
“Local officials and residents requested that KDOT improve U.S. 59 to make it safer for travel. In 1997, KDOT began environmental studies and conceptual designs to evaluate the need for improvements to U.S. 59. In total, 17 alternative alignments were considered. The preferred alignment was selected for several reasons, which include: the proximity to the existing U.S. 59 increased the likelihood that the new freeway will be the most effective in attracting traffic from the existing U.S. 59; it creates opportunities for development along the western side of the existing U.S. 59 after it becomes a local access road; there is a potential to incorporate some of the existing right-of-way; and the preferred alignment would not adversely impact the rural setting as much as other alternatives.”
It is obvious the state evaluated all of their options when choosing where to place it, and I appreciate knowing that the chosen course will use portions of existing right of way, and it will affect the area the least. For those of you wanting to see the enviornmental assessment of the impact the new 4 lane will have, you can go the the Douglas County Public Works Office, 1242 Massachusetts or to Ottawa City Hall, 101 S. Hickory Street to read it for yourself.
Additionally, regarding the recent repaving, it needed to be done. Portions of the highway (especially traveling up and down the hill near Pleasant Grove) were crumbling and worn. The new 4 lane isn't going to magically pop out of the KDOT's collective butt and be in place tomorrow. Construction will not be complete until somewhere in 2011, and in the meanwhile, it would be great to have a nicely paved version of US 59 to use until it opens.
12 September 2007
at 10:16 a.m.
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blue73harley (Anonymous) says…
That is not a bad idea, Cool! And make it someplace like Death Valley or the Alaska Highway.
12 September 2007
at 10:17 a.m.
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just_ducky (Claire Williams) says…
Now log, I wish to address some things you said in your last post.
“And the first time I was made aware of the repaving of the existing 2-lane highway prior to the building of the 4-lane highway was when it was published in this paper, far too late to object to KDOT or anyone else.”
Actuallly, as you can see from the link I posted earlier, the first reports on this came out 4 years ago, in 2003. Additionally, in June 2004, this paper posted an article in which the state asks for local input into the project: http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2004/jun…
Then, two months later in August 2004, the meeting actually happened, and many people attended to give their 2 cents about the planned highway. Did YOU attend it? http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2004/aug…
Next: “I am not paid to be a watchdog of state agencies like KDOT. So to respond to them directly is ridiculous. Often decisions like repaving 59 highway are made behind closed doors without public scrutiny. You can stand by and let your tax dollars be wasted if you want. I for one will write and object to it as I see fit.”
Didn't you just contradict yourself here? If responding to them directly is ridiculous, then why write to object to it? And as far as being decided behind closed doors, according to an article in the Ottawa Herald, the repaved portions “will become a county frontage road following the completion of a new four-lane expressway in Franklin and Douglas counties”. So this repaving is part of the overall grand scheme of the project, not just some waste of money that is going to be torn up in a couple of years.
All in all, logrithmic, a pretty poor showing. Try to educate yourself about what a proposed project is actually doing before railing against it.
My heart goes out to the killed workers' families, and also any other workers on this project have my full support. You are doing a good thing for Douglas and Franklin county, please keep up the good work.
Finally to all, I apologize for the long posting. But I wanted to make sure that everybody (including log) had all the facts.
Claire
12 September 2007
at 10:18 a.m.
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autie (Anonymous) says…
dirkleisure, and that 99 cent calculator from Wal-Mart probably came from the Bartlesville OK distribution center as most midwest WalMart stuff does…Up highway 75 to BETO, I-35 to Ottawa, then up 59 to Lawrence. How many trucks a day will use that road going to the new super center?
12 September 2007
at 11:02 a.m.
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urrealbrite (Anonymous) says…
I was looking for the news article because my mother and her husband work on the crew that was affected by this traggic incident. I am disgusteded at the lack of education, compassion, empathy, and @#$%ing brains that you lack as a human being. You probably do not work for a living and can sit home on your computer collecting welfare and watch Jerry Springer. My mom and her husband work 14 hours a day in the Kansas heat with heavy equipment all day on there feet to ensure our roads are safe, they have a job to do, what the hell do you do to make this world a better place. PS. I hope you support our troops to ensure your freedom to type dum s@%t on a web site.
12 September 2007
at 11:29 a.m.
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tmkatt (Anonymous) says…
First, let me say my heart goes out to the families of the two men who were senslessly slaughtered by a woman who at the very LEAST is guilty of negligent homicide, and certain questions could and should be investigated concerning just what she WAS up to, if not paying attention to her surroundings…what, deep conversation? Talking on her cell phone? What? Or, were they treansporting something illicit, and just panicked? It really doesn't matter WHAT her/ their “excuse” is; her actions, including having to be chased down by law enforcement officers (thusly exposing many OTHER drivers and pedestrians to needless hazards from the resulting chase, ending ONLY by the application of stop-sticks, thusly creating another potential crash hazard…) are absolutely reprehensible, and should certainly provide her with ample opportunity for her day in court to explain her actions or inactions…Second…Logrithmic…I read this post, tho I live many states away, for two reasons; the first, being a former resident of the charming town of Lawrence, I enjoy the current events of your town, albeit from a distance, and second, I competely enjoy the intelligent discourse provided in this forum. YOU, logrithmic, and your short-sighted, self-serving, insensitive, unfeeling, smug analysis (…which I believe if you note the first four letters of that word you discover from whence log spews forth his/her “perspectives”…) sully such a forum. I've read, with considerable interest, many diverse viewpoints put forth in this forum, and tho I frequently disagree with some of those views, will, would and HAVE defended the rights of those folks to put forth whatever point of view they so decide…I believe Voltaire said it best, but I digress…tho I heartily defend the right to spout whatever verbal wackiness you so desire, I/we also have the right to react, in like manner, to hurtful, harmful, sanctimonious diatribes such as yours, log…you, log, present yourself to be one of the most callous, insensitive, self-serving cretin jerks I've had the displeasure to encounter in quite some time. Please, if your opinions are no more well-thought-out than that, please. i/we implore you, keep them to yourself, and at the very least, do no more harm to the mourning family members, and friend and co-workers of these terribly unlucky men who did no more harm than to be doing their jobs, and to be in the wrong place at the wrong time…NOW, “Logrithmic”, do everyone a huge favor, and shut th' H377 UP until SOMEthing quasi-intelligent can be produced.
12 September 2007
at 11:51 a.m.
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logrithmic (Anonymous) says…
Baker girl,
I have worked on a construction site. Laid concrete and curbs and sidewalks. I've held the warning sign and I've done the hard labor in back of it. It's a dangerous profession. There are absolutely good reasons for roadwork. The repaving of 59 highway has no good reason that I can ascertain.
Maveric,
Sticks and stones, dude. I pay a substantial amount of taxes and have a right to say what I want. This is the United States of America. If you want to control or censor people, they have a job for you in Communist China.
12 September 2007
at noon
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just_ducky (Claire Williams) says…
herbalife4life1 (Anonymous) says:
“Ok, urrealbrite:.let's not call what highway workers do strenuous work, and while I do admit they stand in the sun(emphasis on stand):that is nowhere near the extremes of other jobs like working in a foundry, commercial fishing, working in the oil patch. I'm not taking anything away from the job, but let's call an apple an apple.
Please Do Not politicize this thread:.lay off people!”
Sooo….because Discovery Channel hasn't made a show about road workers with Mike Rowe narrating… highway work isn't a strenuous job?
In 2000, OSHA estimated that there were 1,093 work zone fatalities around the country. On average, the CDC says that about 140 commercial fisherman die each year. Which job is more dangerous?
12 September 2007
at 12:03 p.m.
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justthefacts (Anonymous) says…
Often times when someone is passionate and stubborn in attacking a particular person or entity, it is based upon something very personal - e.g. they have had a bad personal experience with that person or group. It is hard for many people to be rationale and/or factual if they are emotionally involved. Thus, you get people on these boards (and in life) who use any forum possible to attack a perceived “enemy” - and regard anyone who doesn't agree with them as siding with “the enemy.” Seeing both sides of an issue is becoming rarer and rarer these days…..
Condolences to the family, friends, and cowokers of these two young men. No matter the cause(s) of their demise, losing a loved one so suddenly (and young) is very hard for those involved.
Meanwhile, has there been any more information about the two women in the truck that hit them? I must admit to more then the usual curiousity about them and howand why they came to be in Kansas and driving so badly!!!
12 September 2007
at 12:03 p.m.
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countrygirl (Anonymous) says…
Hey guys—one of those workers left behind a pregnant wife and they both left behind families who are stunned and greiving. Can we keep this decent for a change? Or is that too much to ask–
12 September 2007
at 12:03 p.m.
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tmkatt (Anonymous) says…
log, shut up and go away…it is obvious the ONLY thing you are trying to do is inspire interesting debate, but “dude”, you only sound ignorant. The perspective of maveric, while not overly articulate, was dead on the money, for, I'm sure, many of these respondents. HUSH. Go away. Come back and play after you've adjusted your meds, or whatever it is you do to get thru another day of your sorry existance. Just be quiet until you can produce something resembling a humanity-based point of view…now, like I tell my kids, when need be…be quiet and go to your room.
12 September 2007
at 12:09 p.m.
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logrithmic (Anonymous) says…
Just Ducky,
Wow a person with something to say! Congratulations!
So let's take your points:
1) Intersection of US 56 and US 59. You point out that “At the US 56/59 intersection alone, between 2002 and 2005, 36 accidents occurred - 17 resulting in injuries.” Now I ask you. Why if KDOT were doing its job did all these accidents occur? I seem to recall some stop signs being put in place. If KDOT were really interested in safety, couldn't this have been done earlier than 2007???
2) You write: “I would say that a 25% hike in the number of accidents compared to other two lane highways in the state is well worth the expense of widening it.” What about patrolling it? On various county roads I travel there are always cops about. On 59 highway it is rare I see a cop. The speed limit is posted. How about some enforcement???? For those who drive safely, there is little hazard on the road. For tailgators and people who pass illegally or don't obey traffic signs, any road can become a hazard.
3) I never said I did not or was not aware of the 4-lane highway proposed for the area. As you point out, KDOT gave ample time for public input to its $210 million boondoggle (BTW, if history proves the rule, count on the road costing about twice as much - $400 million yippee!). But they rarely listen to the public. They do what they plan to do. It is not the public but private interests that have their ear. What I said was I was not aware of the planned repaving of the current 59 highway. Read my lips….
4) You write: “Additionally, regarding the recent repaving, it needed to be done. Portions of the highway (especially traveling up and down the hill near Pleasant Grove) were crumbling and worn…. Construction will not be complete until somewhere in 2011, and in the meanwhile, it would be great to have a nicely paved version of US 59 to use until it opens.” Oh yes, wouldn't it be great! At what expense? Where are the dollars associated with this repaving???? Sure patch the “portions.” Repaving the entire road???? That's where I have a problem.
5) I have taken time to write to KDOT. Several times. Doesn't matter. Again, they're only interested in what private interests have to say. The public taxpayer? Who cares. I'm sure there are a number of people in West Kansas that might have a whole different perspective than you on using tax dollars for this highway.
6) You wrote: “So this repaving is part of the overall grand scheme of the project, not just some waste of money that is going to be torn up in a couple of years.” When or where did I write that the current 59 highway was going to be torn up in a couple of years. If you read my responses carefully, you'll see I discussed the 6 lanes of asphalt stretching from Ottawa to Lawrence.
12 September 2007
at 12:15 p.m.
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logrithmic (Anonymous) says…
Tmkatt - please reread my response to Maveric at 11:51 a.m. Now apply it to yourself. Nuff said to someone like you….
12 September 2007
at 12:21 p.m.
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just_ducky (Claire Williams) says…
Log: As I have some errands to run, I cannot respond to all of your points, but here are a couple quick notes for you.
They are not repaving the entire stretch of US 59. According to the Ottawa Herald on August 29, 2007, highway crews are scheduled to begin repaving U.S. 59 between south Lawrence and the Douglas County line Sept. 5, and the work is expected to last through October.
If you travel 59 frequently as you say, you will notice that it is in much better condition in Franklin County.
I apologize for misreading your comment about not being aware of the 2 lane repaving. You are correct, you did not say you were not aware of the new 4 lane expansion.
12 September 2007
at 12:24 p.m.
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blue73harley (Anonymous) says…
To all the posters except one - ignore it and perhaps it will go away.
12 September 2007
at 12:29 p.m.
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tmkatt (Anonymous) says…
log, the ultimately best response to your simple-minded, self-serving diatribe is…
12 September 2007
at 12:42 p.m.
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tmkatt (Anonymous) says…
…and…”someone like you”…simply another totally clueless remark, from the easily discredited and refutable…”sticks and stones”? gee, I need not further prove my point, when you resort to 4th-grade comebacks…you, sir/ma'am, are the living embodiment of a particular brand of well-presented ignorance found SO frequently in the world today…hmmm, makes me wonder…are you a politician? You seem to have the qualifications…
12 September 2007
at 1:22 p.m.
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Chicago_JHawk (Anonymous) says…
log- I guess I'm confused as to where you'd rather this money get spent? It's earmarked for transportation projects, so it's not going to be spent in any other capacity. Do you have another roadway improvement you'd rather see instead of this one right now?
In addition, projects like this (on US or State highways) are funded with 10% state dollars and 90% federal dollars, so you're sharing this “burden” with more than just the citizens of KS.
12 September 2007
at 1:22 p.m.
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bingo (Anonymous) says…
To the families that lost loved ones yesterday our sympathy goes out to you! I knew Ty personally and it is a shame that such an accident should ever occur. It is also a disgrace to see such an idiot as (log)—also referred to something leaving the rectum—should put blame where there is no fault. When is this country going to wake up and take the punishment for their own acts instead of pointing the finger to someone else. Yes, tax dollars are being spent and will continue to be spent on projects. It sounds to me that the only thing log is concerned with is his money. I sure hope your money buys your loved ones an eternity on this earth. Money doesn't buy happiness and love. Whine about those issues eslewhere and let these two MEN and their families rest in peace.
12 September 2007
at 1:43 p.m.
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auntie_em98 (Anonymous) says…
log why dont you just go buy a horse and buggy and move somewhere else. This was very tragic accident that didn't need to happen. I am the wife of one of the workers who had to watch his friends get run over and killed. Cousin I am so very sorry for your loss, I have met your cousin and he was a decent loving man, I am so upset about the whole thing. Give his wife a huge hug from the A/C people, she should know by that. Tell her to let us know if she needs anything.
12 September 2007
at 2:32 p.m.
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dinolove101 (Anonymous) says…
log take your worries about KDOT somewhere else. this article is about the poor lives that were taken by a careless driver. And do you really have nothing else to do with your day than complain on the lawrence journal worlds website and complain about every single thing that happens in the lawrence community. this has nothing to do with the people that were doing their job, they did everything they are supposed to, one of the guys actually pushed someone else out of the way to safe theirs and risk his own. that is probably more than you would do for anyone because apparently all you can do is think about yourself and your needs. what those people do is to make sure our transportation is safe, if you dont like the way lawrence opperates move somewhere else where someone who maybe cares will listen to you.
my thought and prayers are with the families and friends.
and thanks to all the KDOT workers that do their jobs.