To the editor:

We are writing this with great concerns over the changes that occurring on Highway 20 and Poplar Avenue.

We realize that the truckstop and the R cut road have been approved, (against the recommendation of the zoning board and concerned citizens), but with the 44 acre warehouse distribution center trying to be rezoned industrial, we the citizens of Webster County have grave safety concerns.

With a huge warehouse distribution center being built and the possibility of many more, the amount of semi traffic on that section of Highway 20 will increase astronomically. There will already be added car and truck traffic going to and from the truck stop. There is going to be way too much traffic on that corner and dangerous situations without a proper exit.

The new traffic count is 10,000 – 12,000 a day now. That section of Highway 20 already has the heaviest traffic in Webster County, before anything is built on it. This is a 65mph highway now add semis crossing over two lanes, making a U turn halfway down a hill, then crossing two lanes again while trying to get back up a hill with a loaded trailer and 65mph traffic coming at it.

On a normal day this will be dangerous, but add merging traffic from P59, fog, or snow and ice, this is a recipe for many fatalities and accidents to happen.

We have talked to many people in the community the highway patrol, the DOT, sheriff department, truck line owners, semi owners, Otho Fire Department, and they all have safety concerns.

It will not only be the safety of Webster County citizens but the many travelers from other states that will be in danger also.

There are many other areas that could hold warehouse distribution centers in Webster County that are much safer for truck traffic. The area behind Decker Truck Line is set up for industrial companies.

We feel Webster County will be held responsible for injuries and fatalities if voted through because they have been told of the many concerns by the citizens and by the zoning board. (who denied it 5 to 1.)

I hope that the citizens of Webster County will let the supervisor know your concerns so we can prevent future fatalities in our community.

Tracy and Donna Faith and the

surrounding neighborhood