Marine stresses speeding in school zone still issue, discuss ditch buildup

By Bruce Darnell • At their Jan. 21 meeting, the Marine Board of Trustees met to discuss a continual issue with speeding in Marine Elementary’s school zone, some issues involving a ditch build up in the community and a small update to road improvements.

Village Clerk Amber Kapp said the board has now received two anonymous complaint letters about the speeding and one writer also shared their concerns with the Triad School District and Illinois Department of Transportation. Kapp said when kids are present, the speed limit reduces to 20 mph, and anyone going above that will be ticketed.

West Division Street is the road affected by the school zone speed limit. The minimum fine for a speeding ticket in one of these zones is $150, according to Illinois law.

Kapp also said the board has received reports that a ditch near North Vernon Street and Magnolia Street has been causing problems due to being backed up by trees and silt. She said the village will not fix the buildup because the ditch is out of the town’s jurisdiction and also runs along private property, where the responsibility for maintenance falls on the property owner. 

Kapp said the board suggested that neighbors should collaborate together to fix the issue.

Lastly, Kapp said the board also gave a quick update on the road improvement project on North Duncan Street, saying they hope to have it all finished within the next year.

The next village board meeting is scheduled for Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m.