The crosswalk is marked on the pavement and there is a roadside sign, but some vehicles do not stop because they still do not know the crosswalk is there, Blakeman said.

Monday, January 03, 2000

The crosswalk is marked on the pavement and there is a roadside sign, but some vehicles do not stop because they still do not know the crosswalk is there, Blakeman said. Other parents also have expressed safety concerns, he said. Blakeman has called village and state leaders, asking for a more visible crosswalk, a blinking school zone light or police help.

"It’s not my intention to stir up trouble, it’s just time for something to be done," he said.

Coal Grove Mayor Tom McKnight, who was sworn in Saturday, said repainting the crosswalk was on his list before he took office.

"It’s not marked well, which is more dangerous than no crosswalk at all," McKnight said.

And, because school is seasonal and many out-of-area drivers use the state highway, the danger of crosswalk accidents increases, he said.

"In the past, we had a daytime police officer every morning and evening help make sure buses can get in and out, and we’ll try to do that," McKnight said.

But that officer was on his own time, like a volunteer, the mayor said.

No caution lights, or other lights, were installed because it’s a state highway and the state has not found a need for traffic control devices in the past, he said.

"But it needs to be marked better and the village is willing to listen to any ideas."

Blakeman said he wants more drivers to pay attention to the crosswalk, adding that a light is the best solution.

"You go to any school in the county and there are blinking lights next to the schools," he said. "Why is Coal Grove any different?"

Officials Blakeman contacted at the Ohio Department of Transportation are checking into who’s responsible for lighting a school crosswalk, he added.

And, Blakeman said he will call state and federal legislators for help.

Even if lights are never installed, maybe speaking out will make more drivers realize the crosswalk is there or prompt other people to take serious action, he said.

"I just want to make sure kids don’t get hurt."