Accident raises safety concerns

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BRADFORD — At the recent Bradford Village Council meeting, the death of a local boy earlier this summer sparked safety concerns.

DJ Hawes, 12, died in June after being struck and killed while riding his bicycle in downtown Bradford. According to reports, the youngster exited an alley on South Miami Avenue at Church Street and continued into the path of a pickup truck.

A concerned resident contacted Village Administrator Rick Looker to see if there is anything they can do about the alley. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem this was an isolated incident. Councilman Galen Balmert said he had the same thing happen to him and he came inches from hitting a bicyclist. The safety committee will see if there is anything that can be done.

Anthony Monnin, representing the Bradford Fire Department thanked the mayor and council for the assistance and presence with the fire department’s recent convention. He said that the convention was deemed a success, but hopes it will continue to build in the future. Monnin also received emails from happy business owners that appreciated the business during the convention.

In administrative reports, Looker informed council that a report from dam inspections stated that several repairs are needed for one of the lagoons. Looker has already contacted the EPA to see if the lagoon could be drained since it is no longer in use. He also talked with Brice Schmitmeyer and he is looking in the possible costs.

Looker said that he has received approximately 50 percent of the income surveys that were sent out. It is important that anyone who has received the income survey complete the form and send it back in. The survey helps decide how much grant money can be given to the village.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-Small Cities) is a program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The primary objective of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, is to develop viable communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities, principally for persons of low to moderate income. All projects funded through this program must fulfill one of three national objectives. Therefore, all projects must:

• Benefit low- to moderate-income persons; or

• Aid in the elimination of slums or blight; or

• Meet an urgent need due to a serious and immediate threat to the health and welfare of a community.

Looker plans to take to the street and go door to door in hopes of getting most or all surveys completed and turned in. The benefit is to help our community become and nicer and safer place to live.

The administrator also has been in contact with Chief Deputy Dave Duchak to see how the fall vehicle sweep is progressing. Duchak said the sweep will start at the end of the month. Residents with vehicles that are broken down or unused are encouraged to get rid of these vehicles or bring them up to code.

In the sheriff’s report, it was stated that in the last two weeks they received four calls on theft, four complaints about solicitors, and one accident involving a car and a bicyclist (no injuries). There were three arrests for theft and/or warrants.

It was passed by council that the first meeting in October and second meetings in November and December be cancelled.

Galen Balmert invited everyone to the community club to help with remodeling. The club hopes to be up and running by the time of the Bradford Pumpkin Show (Oct. 6).

By Heather Canan

For The Daily Advocate

Heather Canan is a freelance writer who lives in Bradford. She can be reached at [email protected].

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