1st Avenue and Willis Avenue Project Begins Monday in Perry
An intersection construction project will impact traffic at one of Perry’s busiest intersections starting Monday.
Phase one of the Highway 144 Intersection Improvement project, otherwise known as the 1stAvenue and Willis Avenue project, will begin next week.
Perry Police Chief Eric Vaughn explains what the project entails.
“They will be putting up new lights in that area and also repaving that section, putting in some storm sewers and that kind of thing. It will be really nice. There will be a turning lane once that’s complete and it will be a change from a four lane in that area down to a three lane from about Otley (Avenue) until around the Kum and Go and Casey’s (General Store) area.”
Vaughn urges motorists, pedestrians and trail users to be extra cautious in that area because there may be some delays and congestion but in the end he feels it will be worth it.
“There’s a little bit of confusion at First and Willis (Avenues) always because there’s no green arrows, this will eliminate that. It will also slow that traffic down which will increase the safety in that intersection and give that definite turn lane so through traffic will move a little bit quicker and turning traffic will be able to turn with a little more safety. There will also be pedestrian signals too, the walk and don’t walk signals along with I think an auditory signal.”
Phase one will focus on the east side of the intersection. Therefore, Willis Avenue will be closed between 1stAvenue and 2nd Street until early May and traffic on Highway 144 will be reduced to a single lane in each direction through both phases of the project. Construction is expected to be completed by early June.
For a full PDF of the road closures and plans CLICK HERE
Rep. Watts Expects Legislators to Adjourn by the April 19th Deadline
Iowa code states the legislative session is to wrap up by April 19th and if it does not, lawmakers no longer receive their per diem for time spend at the capitol.
For the first time in years, Representative Ralph Watts says he feels they may actually make that deadline.
“Actually I’m very optimistic that given what’s going on in the legislature now I’m optimistic that we may be adjourning this year’s session on time, by the April 19th deadline. Which is fast coming up. If that happens, haha, that would be the first time we’ve adjourned on time in many years but things are moving along quite nicely and I am optimistic that we’ll be out of there on time.”
Representative Watts will share his thoughts on school funding, water quality and this year’s session as a whole on today’s Let’s Talk Dallas County during the 9am, noon and 5pm hours.
Perry Exceeds Normal Monthly Rainfall Total
More rain fell over the Raccoon River Valley this week and one of our local weather reporting areas surpassed the normal monthly total.
According to the National Weather Service, Perry received almost an inch and a half of rain since our last report for a total of two and a quarter inches this month. That’s above the normal monthly rainfall total of just over two inches in March.
Guthrie Center added around half an inch of rain to their total this past week for just shy of an inch in March, compared to the normal average of 2.1 inches.
Jefferson’s data has not been updated by the National Weather Service since the middle of the month.
Cooking with HUP Event Saturday in Perry
Hispanics United for Perry (HUP) will be teaching several people how to cook in traditional Latin American style this weekend.
Cooking with HUP takes place Saturday at the McCreary Community Building.
Perry Chamber Executive Director Bob Wilson says it will be a hands on, educational and fun program.
“Traditional tacos (with) corn tortillas, flour tortillas, we’re going to do Mexican salads, watermelon, dessert… a lot of people have told me this is kind of there date day to take their significant other and kind of learn something and have some fun. There’s nothing better than to share food with the friends and family that you have.”
Plus, all of the money raised from the event goes to help students through scholarships for Perry High School graduates.
The cost is $25 and it takes place from 10am until 1pm Saturday. For last minute registration, contact Angelica Cardenas at 490-6037.
Hiawatha Classic Registration Now Open
The 19th annual Hiawatha Classic Bike Ride will take off from Perry later this spring.
Taking place on the Raccoon River Valley Trail Saturday, May 14th the ride starts at the Hotel Pattee and continues to Minburn, Dallas Center, Waukee and back.
When riders return there will be a celebration at the hotel with live entertainment and food and drinks available for purchase.
Registration includes a t-shirt, day pass to the McCreary Community Building, a wristband for discounts on food and beverages and raffle tickets.
All proceeds from the ride will go to support the connector trail between Perry and Woodward.
It’s a ride at your own pace event that starts around 9:30am. Entry fees range from around $17 to support the ride with no t-shirt to a single pre-registration at $27. A link to the registration page can be found HERE.