Put a damper on reckless rural drivers, man says

Vernon County commissioners on Tuesday heard a Sheldon man say speed limits are needed on gravel roads to brake speeding drivers.

Larry Fowler, who lives three miles north of Sheldon, called on the court to follow suit with Warren County, Mo., west of St. Louis, and set limits at 30 mph on gravel roads and 40 on blacktops.

"Something needs to be done if it can be done," said Fowler, explaining he has spent his own money numerous times to gravel the road in front of his home. "Most people are safe, careful drivers, but it only takes one bad apple and believe me, we have some.

"I see them with a phone in one hand and a cigarette in the other. They could potentially kill a person or a grandchild. I think it's do-able legally. I don't know about the cost."

Presiding Commissioner Bonnie McCord said the court has previously reviewed the situation with Sheriff Ron Peckman, who doesn't have enough deputies to enforce such speed limits.

Under Missouri state law, McCord said, the limit on unmarked roads is 45 mph.

Northern Commissioner Kennon Shaw said putting up that many signs "would be very expensive. It costs us $6,000 to $8,000 a year to maintain the street signs," Shaw said.

In other business, Emergency Management Director Dennis Kimrey reported the receipt of a $22,750 Community Development Block Grant from the State Emergency Management Agency to pay half his salary and half his rent and expenses near the county road and bridge department at 800 E. Hickory St.

"We got what we asked for, an extra $4,000," said Kimrey.

He explained that he works with the county's nine towns outside Nevada.

McCord said SEMA has become progressively later each year with its action on the grant.