During their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 18, members of the Limestone County Commission unanimously approved an agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation to install permanent school zone flashing markers at two local schools.

The flashers will be placed at Elkmont Elementary School, on State Route 127, and Limestone County Schools’ Owens Campus, on State Route 99. Limestone County Commission Chairman Collin Daly said the initiative aims to enhance the safety of the students and the parents by cautioning drivers to slow down when passing the schools. 

“Safety is always a big focus for us, especially the safety of our kids in our schools,” Daly told The News Courier after the meeting at the Clinton Street Courthouse Annex concluded. “Hopefully putting those permanent flashers up on the state roads will prevent any possible accidents from ever occurring at those schools. All it takes is slowing down the speed of one vehicle to save a life, so something like this will always be worth it.”

The Owens Campus is home to several key programs for Limestone County Schools including; the Success Academy, Virtual School and Alternative School. 

Daly mentioned that an agreement with ALDOT had to be reached before any installation of the flashers because they are state roadways. 

“Even though they are on a state road, we will maintain them to the best of our ability,” Daly said. “I encourage everyone to always be safe when traveling through a school zone regardless of the flashers.”

In other business the Commission:

— Approved a service order with ClearGov for a subscription for personnel budgeting

— Approved a resolution to move the Monday, March 3, work session and commission meeting to Friday, March 7.

— Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Madison County Communications District for the use of the P25 core.

— ApproveD the acceptance of grant funds in the amount of approximately $55,000.00 from Homeland Security and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) for the Emergency Management Agency’s purchase of LED light towers, generator and a cargo trailer. 

— Approved to apply for an Education Trust Fund Grant through The Alabama Historical Commission for $75,000 for building improvements at the Limestone County Archives. 

— Approved the appointment of Lakin Collins to the Limestone County Water and Sewer Authority Board. 

— Approved the donation and transfer of P25 radios to Limestone County Volunteer Fire Departments.