Centerville unclear about intersection’s new road paint

Main Street Centerville and town council members plan to pursue clarification from Indiana Department of Transportation about changes that INDOT made to a key downtown intersection.

Business leaders are concerned about losing parking spaces in front of their businesses at North Morton and U.S. 40.

Centerville is facing more National Road transportation challenges as semi and oversize loads increase during Interstate 70 construction. Turning onto U.S. 40 from North Morton poses some difficulties for big rigs.

Kevin Slick, town manager, said within about six weeks, three traffic signal poles and two streetlights were struck in front of Luxe Lizzies Boutique, known for many years as Jody’s Restaurant. A few months ago, INDOT removed the signals above the road and installed the vertical signals on posts.

INDOT has marked three spaces with white paint on U.S. 40 in front of Luxe Lizzies on the northwest corner. Then they removed spaces along the curb for about half a block on North Morton to prevent damaging turns.

Gerald Millsaps, who handles town code enforcement, contacted INDOT to find out what the white paint means. He said a regional supervisor didn’t know if parking was restricted and wasn’t sure why it wasn’t painted yellow.

Dan Wandersee, council president, said he wants additional clarification as well.

Police update

Centerville Police Department’s Daniel Husted underwent training to be able to conduct blood draws for those suspected of driving while intoxicated.

Andrew Jordan said blood draws can be done for up to three hours. Currently, CPD transports those needing the test to Reid Health, but when it’s busy, they’re occasionally right at the three-hour mark.

Indiana law says that vehicle operators give implied consent to submit to chemical tests offered by law enforcement; refusal can result in the suspension of driving privileges.

Husted would be able to draw blood at sites including the police or fire station or ambulance. It’s possible other officers would undergo future training.

Council approved an update to CPD’s standard operating procedures. All votes were 4-0 vote; Josh Tudor was absent.

In other business

• Council approved a bond for Clerk-Treasurer Sarah Rice through the end of 2026, retroactive to June 6. Rice’s bond wasn’t due for renewal until the end of the year, but town officials learned it had been discontinued. Rice told council that an unspecified situation was “handled incorrectly” and that she’s working with State Board of Accounts and a lawyer to get it resolved.
• Council appointed three residents to the park board to ensure eligibility for grants toward playground equipment and pickleball courts. Leader Will White will serve for three years; Marilynn Buchholz is appointed for two years and Shelby Belcher will serve one year.
• Provided all parties agree, organizers of August’s Archway Days festival are planning to place all vendors on the east side of North Morton to keep them together. The car show will be on the west side of the road, and that land would convert to festival parking afterward. They also plan to pursue a gambling license for fundraisers during the festival.
• Centerville Youth League received permission for its 8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 20, parade. Fireworks will be at dusk that night.
• The town’s application to Indiana Office of Energy Development grant to fund lights at Centerville Youth League didn’t make the final round. Revisions are planned before reapplying.

Council’s work session at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, includes a public hearing on the town’s new comprehensive plan. It’s in town hall, 220 E. Main St.; the public is invited.