Versailles News: The courteous left turn

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Rules changes and laws change therefore it only makes sense that the Department of Motor Vehicle’s test would also change. Especially if it had been more than 50 years since you took your driver’s training test.

Over the past several years I’ve been hearing many “experienced” driver’s comment that no one seems to know how to make a left-hand turn anymore. Instead of pulling into the intersection when the light is green, many drivers now wait behind the line until the signal turns from yellow to red then they quickly make their left turn, or worse they wait for the next green light which skunks the driver behind them.

I understand where these “seasoned” drivers are coming from, because I too was taught to pull into the intersection with my left turn signal on. This allows the car behind me the opportunity to drive through or turn right and in the event that he too wanted to make a left-hand turn he would most likely be able to accomplish it before the light changed. By entering the intersection and waiting for the opportunity to safely turn left I shorten the time and distance it takes to complete my turn.

I decided to research the Ohio Driver’s Guide without a definitive answer. There is, however, a law stating one cannot block an intersection. Since the practice of pulling into the intersection does not obstruct traffic, rather it allows traffic to advance I’m guessing it’s not prohibited. I suppose it’s simply not taught any longer, which is too bad because it kept traffic flowing while exhibiting an etiquette among drivers.

If you have something to share about this please contact me. If you want to see how you would do taking a written drivers test you can take an online test at: http://www.dmv.org/oh-ohio/practice-tests/. You might find it entertaining, as well as, educational. Be forewarned some rules have changed (minor) over the years.

Upcoming events:

“Fish Fry-days” are coming: March 3 the Versailles Eagles offers all-you-can-eat fish from 5 p.m. – gone. March 10, the Vet’s Club is offering a smelt dinner from 5 p.m. – gone, also March 10, the Village Green, Greenville is conducting a fish fry for $7 a person. Eat in or carry out. Advance ticket purchase is required. Tickets can be purchased at Johns IGA, Versailles Marathon or Village Green. Proceeds benefit the Versailles Council of Churches Food Pantry.

Tuesday, March 7, an “open to the public” Health Talk at Cain Chiropractic from 6 – 6:30 p.m.

March 8 (and every Wednesday) is the Community Meal from 5-6:30 pm in the Trinity Lutheran Church basement. This is a chance for fellowship and food for the price of a freewill offering.

March 9 (and every Thursday) the Versailles Vets Club holds an open to the public Bid Euchre Tournament downstairs at 7 p.m. There is a $5 entry fee with opportunities to win a cash prize. Congratulations to last week’s winners Joan Heitkamp (first) and Fred Broerman (second).

Birthday wishes to Eileen Rahm, Brenda Smith, Helen Gard, Fischer Spencer, Elaine Langston, Shawn Unger, Tammy Shafer, Amanda Riley, Dustin Lewis, Hayden Bartrum, Lois Ann Baker, Angela Moeder, Brenda Schmitmeyer, Craig Stammen, Betty Mescher, Dan Hartzell, Norma Bruner, Annette Hope, Yolandaleah Olding, Marty Schipfer, Amanda Borchers, Karen Moeller, Tom Eilerman, Leslie Rismiller, Larry Simons, Stacie Schmitmeyer, Buff Francis, Sonja Francis, Missy Francis, Michele Waymire, Dan Seibert, Dave and Dan Hope, Jan Monnin, and Julie Francis. Happy anniversary wishes to Pauline and Sylvester Meyer (4), Carla and Rick Rittenhouse, Cindy and Nick Eilerman (35).

Best wishes to all the Versailles sporting teams. Stay focused and competitive! Congratulations and thank you Kathy Wespiser, owner of Platty’s Sports Bar and Grille, for continuing to improve downtown Versailles.

Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Larry Shields, Richard Dapore, Roger Gigandet, Connie Ecabert, Wanda and Joe Bailey, Wilma Didier, Anne Cox, Dave Buxton, Doug Bruns, Conrad Phlipot, Jean Castle, Betty Kremer, Vickie Cottrell, Fr. Ned Brown, Lester Bernholt , Connie Stachler, Tony Gehret, Betty Pothast, Sally Tebbe, Dan Roseberry, Denny Grilliot, John Magoto, Sheila Spahr, Madonna McEldowney, Beverly Brown, Linda Kendinger, Mike Hileman, Ralph Gehret, Dave Fullenkamp, Steve Youngker, Harold Langston, Sr., Julie Keihl, Joan Magoto, Jeanne Brandon, Ruth Haft, Rosie Pearson, Virginia Smith, John Subler, Sondra Spangler, Mary Barga, Anabelle Subler, Jeanette Simons, Julia Billenstein, Merilyn Borchers, Lewis Didier, Lewis May, Connie (Baltes) Lechleiter, Levadia Barga, Jack Borgerding, Dan Monnin, Linda Wilson, John Klipstine, Lois Youngker, Barb Goubeaux, David Zumberger, Cyril Frantz, Michelle Ullom, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard, Barb Agne, Samantha Smith, Brian Voisard, and all those not mentioned by name who are ill, suffering, hospitalized, home-bound and/or in need of our prayers and their caregivers.

Heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of James Lennon (33), Judith Anne Gillette Doan (89), and Dorvan Phlipot (90), also remembering the lives of Lawrence Gehret, Ralph Ording, Gus Barga, James Williams, Doris Harman, Tony Cordonnier, Joan Voisard, Suzanne Elifritz, Clarence Poeppelman, Alma Gehret and all those in our hearts, but not mentioned by name, as the anniversary of their passing nears.

“Safe driving is no accident.”

“Have you ever noticed anyone driving slower than you is an idiot and any driving faster than you is a maniac?”

By Kathy Magoto

Versailles News

Kathy Magoto is a volunteer citizen columnist, who serves The Daily Advocate readers weekly with her weekly Versailles community column. She can be reached at [email protected] or at 526-3798. Feel free to contact her with Versailles news and tidbits. Viewpoints expressed in the article are the work of the author. The Daily Advocate does not endorse these viewpoints or the independent activities of the author.

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