Teen suggests flags at Clarion Borough intersection

By SAMANTHA BEAL
Staff writer

Concerns about the safety of pedestrians at the intersection of Main Street and Fifth Avenue in Clarion drew the attention of Clarion Area High School student Madi McNamara and she offered a suggestion to borough council Sept. 5.

After returning from a trip to Jackson Hole, Wyo., McNamara printed photos she took of a system the city uses to moderate pedestrian traffic and make drivers more aware.

The system placed short racks of flags at both ends of the crosswalks. When a pedestrian needs to cross, he or she removes a flag and holds it out for drivers to see. When the driver stops, the pedestrian crosses the street and sets the flag in the rack on the other side. McNamara noted she found the system effective.

“I thought it was a really great idea, and (could) potentially make it safer for people,” she said.

Borough council members agreed to review the system before deciding whether or not to adopt it.

PennDOT officials last month reviewed the signs, traffic signal and pedestrian signals and found all system working properly and according to state regulations.

Borough salutes CUP anniversary

Clarion Borough Mayor Daniel Parker issued a proclamation declaring September 2017 to September 2018 “Clarion University Year,” in honor of the college’s 150th anniversary.

University representative and interim provost and academic vice-president Todd Pfannestiel accepted the proclamation.

He noted the town’s importance during the school’s anniversary.

“Your history is our history,” Pfannestiel stated.

Parker also proclaimed September “Clarion County Community Food Stock Month” in recognition of the Clarion County Community Bank’s annual foodbank drive.