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Jax's request for Hwy. 43 turn lane reviewed Jackson City Administrator Jesse Miller informed the Jackson City Council, Tuesday, that the requested turn lane on Highway 43 from north of Jackson to McVay Road was being considered by the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT). The area north of the Sears store, where the turn lane ends, to McVay Road has seen numerous accidents during the past four years, due to business growth in that area. When the turn lane ends, the speed limit increases, giving motorists in the left, northbound lane less time to stop for someone making a left-hand turn. During Tuesday's council meeting, Councilman Daron Bolen inquired about the status of the turn lane request. Miller said Mayor Richard Long had written several letters to ALDOT asking them to consider extending the turn lane. Commissioner Paul Bradford had also sent a letter to ALDOT on behalf of the Clarke County Commission requesting the turn lane be considered. "The mayor has stated that he saw a letter from ALDOT to Commissioner Bradford indicating the turn lane was being considered," said Miller. Jackson Police Chief said his department is also in agreement with adding a turn lane north of the city. He said there have been a number of bad wrecks in the area, some that have claimed lives and/or caused serious injuries to those involved. Water pressure problem During Tuesday's meeting, Councilman Robert Marks said he had received a number of calls from residents on Odom Drive complaining about low water pressure in the area. He asked if there was anything being planned by the city's water and sewer board to remedy the situation. Mayor Pro Tem Paul South, who is one of the councilmen who sit on the board said, "This is an ongoing project. The water and sewer board is currently pursuing an easement from one of the property owners to go across his property. We have not drafted a plan, but the situation is being worked on. Marks said he knew of a situation in which the construction of a new home in the area was being hindered by the low water pressure. "I think we need to get this rectified," he said. South reiterated that efforts were being made to remedy the problem as quickly as possible. Interim director for CSI named Councilman Eddie Huggins reported that Jackson Intermediate School third grade teacher Christie Taylor had been named as interim director of the Continuing School Improvement (CSI) program while current director, Alfred Donald, was on active duty with the U.S. Military. He also said that during the recent CSI board meeting, Jetti Johnson was named the organization's new treasurer. Huggins said the after school tutoring program continues to average a participation of between 80 and 100 students and is reportedly showing improvement in their grades. "We hope the Alabama Reading and Math Test (ARMT) and SAT scores reflect that," he said. "We are hoping the program's success will be reflected in upcoming test scores." Officer injured during Mardi Gras During his report to the council, Police Chief Charles Burge said that Officer Norman "Buzzy" Jordan was injured while assisting Mobile police with Mardi Gras patrol. Jordan, who had received extra training as a motorcycle officer in exchange for patrolling during Mardi Gras, reportedly hit a puddle of water and put his leg down to brace himself, causing a hairline fracture in his shin bone. Burge said he is expected to return to work within 2-1/2 weeks.
Burge also reported he attended the state conference for police chiefs in Montgomery last week. Among the topics covered were ethics in law enforcement.
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