| 'Bad driving' warning to scooter users
THEY might not be Hell's Angels or Mods, but it seems mobility scooter riders are running the risk of getting “a bad name" following a number of collisions in Suffolk.The Stowmarket disability charity Optua yesterday called on users of the vehicles, and powered wheelchairs, to ride safely and responsibly. The issue has been raised through its local groups, and it is keen to nip the problem in the bud.Linda Hoggarth, charity chairman, said: “As a charity representing the interests of all disabled people, Optua is anxious that users of mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs do not get a bad name because of a small number of incidents. “The majority of disabled people use them safely and responsibly and do not cause any problems. However, it is sensible to remind users of some basic safety tips which they should always follow for their safety and that of the general public."But mobility scooter rider Ronald Rawden, of Hall Street in Long Melford, near Sudbury, said pedestrians were often to blame for accidents.Mr Rawden said his life had been dramatically improved since getting his three-wheeled mobility scooter because he used to struggle to walk beyond 50 yards.Mr Rawden, who called on all mobility scooter riders to get insurance, said: “Most people are very courteous though when cars are parked up on the road the trouble can be getting past pedestrians.“The majority of mobility scooter riders are elderly and disabled and they tend to be very courteous people.
State bill to bear fruit
The Ginger Gold Apple is on its way to becoming Virginia's state fruit thanks to a bill sponsored by local elected officials working on the final month of the General Assembly session in Richmond. Sen. Linda T. "Toddy" Puller, D-Mount Vernon, sponsored the fruit bill and she has another food-related, but much more serious bill on the docket. Last year kitchens that serve food to homeless people or for hunger prevention programs were shut down because they didn't meet industrial food service standards. Puller is sponsoring a bill that would relax the food service standards for these kitchens and prevent them from having to purchase expensive equipment. The following is a list of bills sponsored by the Prince William-Manassas area delegation. This year's General Assembly session is scheduled to end Feb.
Carpool parking once an oasis, now looks more like a mirage
Alberta Hernandez purchased her carpool parking permit before the fall semester began and felt content in knowing that everyday she would have a guaranteed parking spot on campus.
"I had bought the permit before for $15, and I remember there was always a parking space available," the 22-year-old education sophomore said.
On Jan. 30, Hernandez received a $12 parking ticket for parking in Lot 2 on San Pedro Avenue between Ashby and Courtland places without a regular parking permit.
"I had tried to park in the designated carpool area first, but all the spaces were taken," Hernandez said.
Hernandez explained that she was looking for parking in Lot 16 east of Moody Learning Center, a lot that had previously contained carpool parking.
District department of public safety clerk Adrian Plata said, "All designated carpool and handicapped parking has been moved to Lot 19 behind Chance so that more spaces can be available in front of Moody."
Lot 19 is a small lot east of Chance Academic Center accessible despite adjacent fenced-off lots for new construction.
Many issues and events have local impact
A lot is going on as we enter the shortest month of the year. Heres my take on some of the issues and events affecting us in Houston County: n Centervilles mayor and council are dead serious about dealing with signs in the city. They are tackling the problem before it gets out of hand with an ordinance that will have teeth. One commendable action is a decision not to issue permits for billboards in Centerville. When I was mayor of Warner Robins about 25 years ago we had a moratorium on permits for billboards. Somehow in the intervening years the problem has gotten out of hand. n Payday lenders may have enough clout in the Georgia Legislature to get a recently enacted ban on their outlandish interest rates rescinded. Military personnel and civilians least able to afford their interest rates are the victims.
Kindergartner missing from class found asleep on bus
NEWARK -- Six-year-old Jayden Morrison was a little too sleepy when he crawled on the bus to kindergarten Monday morning. The John Clem Elementary student curled into a ball in his seat and fell asleep, failing to get off the bus at school. .
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