FAST FACTS:
"(DeSoto County, MS 9/25/2009) "I gave up my fight with the school and went to the police."
Judith Marlar walks a short path from her house to Hernando Elementary every morning with her 6 and 7-year-old. She says crossing the intersection in front of her home is a risky maneuver.
"A lot of times when we cross there they are not looking. If we were trying to cross we are stuck gunning for it. Or just stopping in the middle of the road and letting them go," said Marlar.
No police officers, speeders, and not many sidewalks. That's what Marlar says she has to contend with in the 20 mph school zone and it's not safe. She says her kids are not the only ones walking the dangerous path: "I've seen maybe 6 or 7 come by my house every morning."
Hernando Police Chief Mike Riley and school officials say there is a different story in front of the school.
"There are only 12 walkers only 2 of them cross the streets," said Chief Riley.
The chief says 2 teachers are assigned to patrol the residential street where the school is. One helps students cross, the other directs traffic. The Chief says with the small amount of children walking to school and crossing the street, there is no need for an officer.
Marlar says it's just not enough, "There is never a police officer here to help the teacher enforce the speed limit."
Marlar has been working with the principal to find a solution. She says she has also called both the police Chief and the Mayor. But the Riley says he hasn't heard from the upset mother.
"I would be glad to talk to her. We do monitor the traffic. We have officers with kids that go to school there," added Riley.
Marlar says she is willing to make a few enemies, to make sure it's a safe walk her kids to school
Hernando Police does have officers working as cross guards at other DeSoto County Schools. They say they will continually monitor the situation at Hernando Elementary, to see if they need crossing guards.
- DeSoto County mother says her kids are in harm's way because there are no crossing guards
- Mother says she is tired of fighting, but will do what it takes
- The school is at Riley and East Parkway in Hernando
"(DeSoto County, MS 9/25/2009) "I gave up my fight with the school and went to the police."
Judith Marlar walks a short path from her house to Hernando Elementary every morning with her 6 and 7-year-old. She says crossing the intersection in front of her home is a risky maneuver.
"A lot of times when we cross there they are not looking. If we were trying to cross we are stuck gunning for it. Or just stopping in the middle of the road and letting them go," said Marlar.
No police officers, speeders, and not many sidewalks. That's what Marlar says she has to contend with in the 20 mph school zone and it's not safe. She says her kids are not the only ones walking the dangerous path: "I've seen maybe 6 or 7 come by my house every morning."
Hernando Police Chief Mike Riley and school officials say there is a different story in front of the school.
"There are only 12 walkers only 2 of them cross the streets," said Chief Riley.
The chief says 2 teachers are assigned to patrol the residential street where the school is. One helps students cross, the other directs traffic. The Chief says with the small amount of children walking to school and crossing the street, there is no need for an officer.
Marlar says it's just not enough, "There is never a police officer here to help the teacher enforce the speed limit."
Marlar has been working with the principal to find a solution. She says she has also called both the police Chief and the Mayor. But the Riley says he hasn't heard from the upset mother.
"I would be glad to talk to her. We do monitor the traffic. We have officers with kids that go to school there," added Riley.
Marlar says she is willing to make a few enemies, to make sure it's a safe walk her kids to school
Hernando Police does have officers working as cross guards at other DeSoto County Schools. They say they will continually monitor the situation at Hernando Elementary, to see if they need crossing guards.
