EDITORIAL: Trailer/RV ordinance a welcome solution after years of discussion

Posted 1/7/16

The ordinance that took effect Jan. 1 has been years in the making.

Driving through certain intersections in Powell, it’s been easy to see the need. Large trailers and RVs completely blocked views in certain areas of town, making it impossible …

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EDITORIAL: Trailer/RV ordinance a welcome solution after years of discussion

Posted

Thumbs up to the start of the RV/trailer ordinance in the city.

It is now illegal to park an RV, trailer or camper on local streets for more than 48 hours, except during summer months.

The ordinance that took effect Jan. 1 has been years in the making.

Driving through certain intersections in Powell, it’s been easy to see the need. Large trailers and RVs completely blocked views in certain areas of town, making it impossible for drivers or pedestrians to see oncoming traffic.

When the Powell City Council discussed the issue in 2013, Councilman Eric Paul said he wanted to start a conversation before a tragic accident happened, noting close calls with children darting out from behind a large trailer or RV.

For the safety of pedestrians and drivers, something needed to happen. We think the Powell City Council came up with a solution that addresses the issue and considers the concerns of RV/trailer/camper owners.

It’s also good to see multiple local businesses providing secure storage options.

Initially, the city gave warnings for on-street parking violations if a complaint was filed. Now the Powell Police Department is actively contacting owners in violation.

If you still have a trailer, camper or RV parked on a city street, now’s the time to find another parking spot — otherwise you may be fined.

Thumbs down to more fatal wrecks on local roads over the past year.

The first day of 2015 started with a tragic wreck that took the life of a Powell High School senior.

Unfortunately, more fatal crashes followed, making 2015 a particularly deadly year on local highways and roads.

Last year, eight people died in vehicle crashes in Park County. To put that tragically high number in perspective, consider that in the previous four years combined, nine people died in fatal wrecks on Park County roads.

It also was a difficult year for our neighbors in Big Horn County, where five people died in crashes in 2015.

Joel Johnson of Powell almost became one of the statistics after his truck was hit by another driver. The June 8 wreck gave Johnson and his family a new appreciation for life, the community, the power of prayer and the importance of seat belts. As a seat belt survivor, Johnson has been sharing an important message with residents across the state: Seat belts save lives.

“We need to get to the point where everybody buckles their seat belts,” said Cody Beers, Wyoming Department of Transportation spokesman.

The good news is that 2016 started without any fatal wrecks in Wyoming over the New Year’s weekend. We hope that this year is better than last. Do your part: Make a commitment to wear your seat belt, pay attention and focus on driving every time you’re behind the wheel.

Thumbs up to the return of migrant health services in Powell.

After an abrupt closure in December 2014, the Wyoming Migrant Health Program is returning with a new name and new leadership.

Now known as Ag Worker and Health Services, the program is available for those doing agricultural work in Wyoming, said Velma Stingley, area service coordinator.

Clinic services will be offered in Powell once local medical staff is hired, but for now, patients can receive health care services at a clinic in Billings.

In the changing landscape of health care, it’s one more option available for agricultural workers.

Thumbs up to opportunities to cheer for Powell Panthers in extracurricular activities.

From August through May, the Powell community has dozens of chances to watch PHS students compete.

This weekend, a few PHS teams are hosting major competitions that only come around once a year.

The RoboRumble will bring 14 robotics teams from around the region to the Powell High School gym beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday. As robotics gains traction in the state and across the nation, this is a great opportunity to see robots created, built and programmed by local students.

Also this weekend, more than 300 students from nearly 15 schools will compete at the 45th Annual Trapper Rendezvous Forensics Tournament for High Schools Friday and Saturday at Northwest College. Events include humorous, poetry, dramatic and duet interpretation, extemporaneous speaking, oratory and three forms of debate.

In addition, The Powell Aquatic Center will be bustling with activity on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. as the PHS boys swim team hosts its largest local competition of the year, the Gene Dozah Invite.

Panther fans have chances to watch wrestling matches and basketball games this week as well.

The PHS wrestling team hosts Lander Valley High School for a dual tonight (Thursday), with JV matches beginning at 5 p.m. and varsity to follow.

The Panther basketball teams also are in the area, with the boys and girls competing in tournaments based in Lovell and Cowley, respectively; some games will take place in Powell — including the Lady Panthers’ match-up with Greybull at 7:30 p.m. tonight (Thursday) in the PHS gym.

Let’s cheer for the Panther teams as they compete in various sports and activities.

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