Elkhart County Council addresses public concerns over dangerous intersections and communication issues

The Elkhart County Council meeting on April 18, 2025, featured significant public engagement, particularly concerning traffic safety issues in the county. The meeting concluded with an audience items segment, allowing residents to voice their concerns directly to council members.

One of the primary speakers, Melody Weiss, raised urgent concerns about traffic safety at the intersection of County Road 36 and County Road 9. She highlighted a recent fatal accident and noted that the area has seen multiple serious incidents due to drivers running stop signs. Weiss proposed the installation of solar-powered flashing stop signs, which she estimated would cost around $1,300 to $1,400 each, as a potential solution to improve safety at this dangerous intersection.

Council members acknowledged the seriousness of Weiss's concerns. They noted that the responsibility for traffic improvements lies with the county commissioners and assured her that the highway department would be notified to conduct a traffic study at the intersection. Council member Tom Weyrick expressed familiarity with the intersection's layout, indicating that it could be easy for drivers to overlook the stop sign.

In addition to traffic safety, the discussion also touched on the accessibility of council members' contact information. Weiss mentioned difficulties in finding phone numbers for her representatives, prompting council members to acknowledge the need for better communication and accessibility on their website.

The meeting underscored the importance of community input in local governance, particularly regarding public safety. The council's commitment to investigating the traffic issues raised by Weiss reflects a proactive approach to addressing resident concerns and enhancing safety measures in Elkhart County.