From staff reports
NEOSHO, Mo. — Lower speed limits in the area of Joplin’s new South Middle School were authorized in action by the Newton County Commission last week.
Reduced speeds were requested by Joplin school officials in advance of the planned opening for the new school building under construction at 700 E. 50th St. Construction on the school is to be finished by the end of November, with the building to open by Jan. 1.
Commissioners on Thursday approved an order setting the speed limit at 35 mph on Connecticut Street between 44th and 50th streets, and on 50th Street between Main and Connecticut streets. The order also sets the speed limit at 20 mph on 50th Street in front of the school during school hours.
The speed limit on the streets currently is 45 mph, according to Jerry Carter, presiding commissioner.
The order notes the Newton County Sheriff’s Department has agreed to enforce the speed limits on the streets, which are within the village of Leawood.
It also directs the Joplin Special Road District “at its earliest convenience” to erect signs to designate the new limits.
Carter said sheriff’s officials have said enforcement will start as soon as the new signs are installed.
Joplin school officials at one point believed the school property would become a part of Joplin, bringing speed limits and traffic enforcement under purview of the Joplin Police Department. But trustees in the village of Leawood last month rejected a request to deannex the property after village residents in a public meeting said they wanted the land to remain in Leawood.
School officials said they wanted to have the property annexed by Joplin to maintain continuity with Joplin police and fire departments, which serve most of the district’s buildings.
School resource officer
Newton County Sheriff Ken Copeland said earlier that his department will commission the Joplin police officer who serves as a school resource officer at the new school.
