SHOALS — Local club members believe the result of their lowering attendance is due to the oversaturation of police on the weekends, members of the Shoals Eagles and American Legion told the Martin County Commissioners in Tuesday night’s meeting.
“What happens is when you’ve got entertainment, (the police) stop up there (on the road) and are stopping people when they come out of the establishment,” said Eagles member Bill Dickey.
Members of the Legion and Eagles said officers — mostly Indiana state troopers — frequently park near the clubs and watch for people to leave. They say after leaving, the officers pull people over for no apparent reason.
Dickey said members of the Eagles have actually told him they don’t want to come into town because there are so many cops.
“Even if we are clubs, we’re the businesses in town. And if you lose the businesses, what have you got?” Dickey said.
Dickey said the Eagles supports most every organization or group that asks. They’ve given thousands of dollars for various things in the community such as the new fire station.
All of the clubs contribute to the fundraising efforts of groups such as the Shoals High School Post Prom, Shoals summer league, AAU basketball teams and the Relay for Life.
“It’s just driving the Legion’s business, the Eagles’ business. If we fold up, there’s going to be a lot of hurting people around here,” Legion member Darrel Smith said.
The men also questioned why the town is paying a town marshal if there is going to be extensive police coverage from state troopers.
“I’d like to see them get their 120 quota somewhere other than this little town,” Dickey said of officers reaching citation requirements.
Commissioner Paul George said he’d talk to Sheriff Tony Dant to see what he can do or would recommend them to do.
“I encourage everyone to contact our legislators on this, and maybe our voice will be heard a little bit,” George said.
In other business
COMMONWEALTH
ENGINEERS
The commissioners approved a contract with Commonwealth Engineers to apply for a grant that would fund the removal of log jams on the Lost River. The cost of their services is $5,500, which was approved by the county council last week.
LOAD LIMIT
The 10-ton load limit on all Martin County roads was lifted Tuesday morning.
“Most of the blacktop roads are in pretty decent shape,” George said. “Some of the gravel roads they’re still having some trouble with.”
WESTGATE
AUTHORITY
The commissioners passed an amendment to an inter-local agreement changing the 7-member board to a 9-member board and extending the length of the agreement to 30 years. The county council and redevelopment commission will be requested to do the same.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Jonathan Stevens, from the Cooperative Extension Office, told the commissioners about the Easter Egg hunt scheduled for March 20 at the fair grounds. Children up to 10 years of age are invited to attend the 2 p.m. event.
Also March 20, is Ag Day. The junior leaders will be serving breakfast and helping cook it, Stevens said. Commissioner Dan Gregory reminded people on that day there will be lots of tractors on the narrow roads.
“People keep an eye out for each other and maybe we can avoid any accidents this spring,” Gregory said.
