Republic council learns of potential U.S. 60 change

During the relatively short March 5 meeting of the Republic City Council, Republic City Administrator David Cameron shed some light on a potential future project involving U.S. Highway 60 and State Highway 174.
Cameron informed the council that a possible $2.5 million project in 2020 may be in the works for the congested intersection in front of Walmart in Republic.
The change should include two turn lanes onto U.S. 60 from Highway 174 which should relieve the traffic that sometimes backs up beyond the railroad underpass.
The intersection upgrade would also include new signalization that is better suited to handle the traffic numbers, unlike the current system which was never meant to be a full-time heavy traffic solution.
Additionally, it was mentioned by Cameron that he has also considered a walking bridge over U.S. 60, near Hines Street, to help students crossing the highway from Republic Middle School.
Those funds, however, would mostly be from a grant and wouldn’t be a part of the other project at U.S. 60 and Highway 174.
Also during the meeting, it was announced that Chet Pearman, who is a candidate for an alderman seat in the April 2 election, has asked to be withdrawn from consideration. However, since he withdrew too late, Pearman’s name will still be on the ballot.
Also during proceedings, an announcement regarding the Republic Housing Authority was made. The council, in the absence of council member Brandon Self, voted to support the appointment of Mary Vincent to the RHA. Former member Steve Lohkamp resigned his position from the group, and decades-long member Judy Ankrom, who passed away recently, also left an open seat at the table.
In good news for the evening, Laura Burbridge who worked in an official capacity during the meeting, was welcomed to the fold as she is the new Republic city clerk.