A tragedy in Silver Lake has prompted town officials and volunteers there to work on ways to make its citizens safer. On June 18, 4-year-old Logan Heeter attempted to cross SR 15 when he was struck and killed by a truck.
Logan’s family and the community are working together to make the town limits safer for pedestrian traffic by taking a proactive approach before another tragedy occurs.
A proposal is now on the table to move the 30 mph speed limit — which currently starts at Arnett’s Mini Mart (or Myrtle Glenn Road) — north to begin at Dixie Drive where Silver Lake’s town limits begin. “With foot traffic being so heavy from those who live north walking to the gas station or to other areas in town, we are proposing a bridge and sidewalks to make travel safe for them,” said Tonya Conley, clerk-treasurer.
SR 15 currently does not have sidewalks on either side coming from Dixie Drive or the trailer park located nearby. “On the west side of SR 15, adding sidewalks is not a feasible option because of lack of space,” Conley added, “however, some of our residents have offered to allow a portion of their property to be used on the east side of SR 15.”
To fund the, project Logan Heeter’s family has given their blessing for any remaining money in the memorial fund established in his name to be used for safety projects. “We still have that memorial fund open and are still taking donations,” Conley said.
Anyone who would like to help can go in or send donations to any Lake City Bank branch and tell them the donations is for the Logan Heeter Memorial Fund. Also, Conley noted the town volunteers working on the project will be asking some local business for donations. “We have already contacted some of those businesses and a non-profit agency to donate,” she explained. “So far we have had great responses from them and they are willing to help. This help will not go unnoticed, a press release will be given upon completion and they will be mentioned.”
Conley said people do not realize all of the things that can be done or needs to be done to prevent another tragedy by being proactive. “In looking to the future and the safety of our citizens, we are striving to take every step possible to make pedestrian traffic safe.”
For more information, contact Silver Lake Clerk-Treasurer Tonya Conley at P.O. Box 159, 604 N. Jefferson St., Silver Lake, IN 46982, or by phone at 260-352-2120, or by fax at 260-352-2035.