Misc. News -- December 18, 2011 -- Collinsville, OK -- www.cvilleok.com

Road Construction Changes (4-Way Stop at 17th & Broadway) ... Main Closed To Curve From 17th

A Collinsville school bus turns south from the "new" 4-way stop at 17th and Broadway as traffic flow has changed again due to the S-Curve relaignment and 4-lane expansion. This view is from the Piggly Wiggly parking lot.

An 18-wheeler make a turn to the north onto 17th Street from Main Street where traffic is now closed to traffic towards the curve closer to 19th Street.

I'm not sure what the configuration is beyond 17th Street as Piggly Wiggly was my destination today but will check further west in goning days. -- Ted

Previous Coverage (& preliminary detour possibilities from July)

Lt. Governor Visited Collinsville

Oklahoma Lt. Governor Todd Lamb joined a group of Collinsville city officials and guests last Thursday (Dec. 8th) for a luncheon meeting at Collinsville City Hall. Brad Francis provided the photo above with Lamb (left) greeting Collinsville Mayor Stan Sallee.
In the background is Tyson Baker of reach-clothing.com (and Facebook) a Collinsville based business which donates a shirt for each purchased.

December 8, 2011 -- Press Release

Lt. Governor Lamb Completes 77 County Tour

Oklahoma City—Lt. Governor Todd Lamb announced today that he completed his visit to each of Oklahoma’s 77 counties within his first year office. The Lt. Governor’s town hall in Latimer County this week marked his final stop on his tour around the state. This is the Lt. Governor’s third complete lap around Oklahoma, with each of his county visits serving a purpose. This is Lt. Governor Lamb’s first official 77 county tour in this office and his third 77 county tour during his career.

“These stops were not just setting foot in each county, but instead included purposeful and productive visits with town leaders and various citizens who wanted their voices heard,” said Lt. Governor Lamb. “Having been to every county before, this was also a great opportunity to revisit old friends and those I have worked with in years past. It is important to get outside of the Capitol and have personal, face to face conversations in every single county. That experience is invaluable.”

As a result of his various community meetings and town halls, the Lt. Governor is compiling a policy report that he will present to the Governor and legislative leaders. In January, this report will reflect the ideas and suggestions of various Oklahomans the Lt. Governor met across the state. The Lt. Governor heard several good ideas that will be a part of the policy report.

Some of those ideas include addressing fraud in Oklahoma’s Worker’s Compensation System, lowering the personal income tax and assessing transportation needs.

Oklahomans have always had an entrepreneurial and innovative spirit that continues to move Oklahoma forward. The thoughts and ideas the Lt. Governor heard on his tour are no exception. Oklahoma is on the cusp of a renaissance. Our best days lie ahead.

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Missing Angels

Hoping to find gifts for the unclaimed Angels... Tomorrow is the very last day of the Collinsville Angel tree program and have 14 unclaimed "Angels" hanging on the Bank of the Lakes Christmas tree ..if anyone can share a gift with a child who is less fortunate than some this Christmas...please come pick up one of the remaining "Angels" and bring a gift back to the bank. Dividing Bread Ministry will pick up all the gifts that have been purchased on Wednesday from the bank--the Christmas party for the families to pick up their gifts is Friday... Thanks for your help!!!!-- Leigh Erickson (12/12/2011)

This is the girl scout troop that has the Christmas tree up at the pharmacy. They have requested that we not take down the tree yet. If it is not too late can you post on the website that it has been extended. We will probably take it down next Saturday the 17th. We are only half way to the goal. Our goal was 100 and we have about 60 items so far. We would appreciate it so much if we are not too late. Thanks Jolene 918-371-6244 (12/10/2011)

S -CURVE DETOUR NECESSARY FOR CONSTRUCTION

(From City web site 12/13/2011)
A necessary detour at Main Street (Hwy 20) and 17th Street is causing drivers to heighten their awareness and perhaps leave a bit earlier than usual.
Phil Stowell, Collinsville’s Public Works Director explains, “In order for work to be completed on the S-curve in the vicinity of 19th street, traffic has to be detoured onto Broadway at 17th. We have had issues with appropriate signage during the last 24 hours but have met with the contactor and have worked those issues out.” Phil continues: “There is no perfect answer for traffic flow during this key facet of construction. The contractor has submitted a 10 day time table in which traffic will be detoured onto 17th. This will slow things a bit and necessitate the need for drivers to plan for a more extended travel time than what they may be use to.”
There will be four way stop signs placed at the 17th Street and Broadway intersection. The four way stop was in place temporarily on Monday December 13th. Traffic was monitored and after a morning meeting between city staff and Paragon (the contracted company for the S-curve Project) it was decided to place the four way stop at the intersection. Phil comments: “We had to choose the lesser of two evils. After monitoring the traffic with and without the four way stop it was decided that having the four way stop would provide a safer environment for vehicular traffic. Without the stop signs, traffic- including school buses was backing up on 17th all the way to Main because traffic on Broadway was not letting vehicles out.” “With stop signs in place everyone will get their turn, however we do ask that all drivers remain vigilant and patient”
The detour is slated to be in place until Friday December 23rd, 2011.