Keeping our kids safe
By Debbie Lowe

As the 2006 spring sports schedules were becoming active, it became apparent there was a potentially unsafe traffic situation developing near the softball field on Hamilton Street in Delphi.

The posted speed limit is 20 mph, but it didn't seem to the Delphi Youth Baseball League that motorists paid much attention to that as they sped along the street. League organizers turned to the city for help with the matter.

It took most of the summer to accomplish the task with donated labor and materials, but the city was successful in getting a caution light installed at the ball field to help slow traffic. The yellow flasher was installed Sept. 20 and connected to electricity the next day.

"I was glad to see it go up," Delphi street commissioner Aaron Lyons said. "Hopefully it will help to slow the traffic down on Hamilton Street."

Lyons explained that Duke Energy donated a pole, the supporting wire, a cable and the labor to install the pole. Kenny Boone of Boone Electric donated material and labor for the electrical connection. An anonymous donor provided the light.

Boone, a Carroll County native and 1975 graduate of Delphi Community High School, said he became aware of the project and offered to help.

"If it saves one child from getting run over, it's well worth it," he said.

Additional materials and labor were provided by the Delphi street department.

"Our goal is to help in any way to make sure our children are as safe as possible," Delphi Mayor Lee Hoard said. "This light should help with that."

Hoard said there were others in the community who offered to help as the project came to fruition.

"I want to thank everyone involved in making this project happen," Hoard continued. "A thank you goes to Carroll County REMC, Delphi Odd Fellows Lodge and NIPSCO for their efforts to assist with this."

The electric service will be paid for by the youth baseball league. The light will be activated by league personnel.