During the recent Public Safety and Public Works Meeting in Polk County, community safety took center stage as Nancy Badoon, a supervisor from the town of Bone Lake, voiced urgent concerns regarding highway safety at the intersection of Highway I and County Road 48. Badoon highlighted the alarming frequency of serious accidents at this location, attributing the danger to the lack of stop signs and the challenging visibility for drivers approaching the intersection.

Badoon proposed the installation of rumble strips on both sides of Highway I to alert inattentive drivers before they reach the stop sign. She emphasized that the current signage is often missed due to the terrain, which includes hills that obscure visibility. To support her request, Badoon presented a petition with 139 signatures from local residents advocating for the rumble strips, underscoring the community's shared concern for safety.

While the meeting did not allow for immediate discussion on her proposal, Badoon expressed her willingness to escalate the matter to state authorities if necessary. She requested guidance on the next steps to take, indicating her commitment to ensuring the safety of the intersection.

The meeting also included a brief mention of an outdoor recreation plan hearing, but no further public comments were made. The focus on highway safety reflects a growing recognition of the need for proactive measures to protect residents and improve public infrastructure in Polk County. As the community awaits further action, Badoon’s initiative highlights the importance of local voices in shaping safety measures that directly impact daily life.