WESTERVILLE — Genoa’s annual Egg Hunt at Westerville Central High School on Saturday, April 1 has been canceled, the township announced. The weather on April 1 will also postpone that day’s scheduled meet and greet at Genoa’s Community Garden to 10 a.m. April 15.
“After considering forecasted rain and high wind gusts, the difficult decision was made to cancel to ensure the safety of attendees,” said Genoa’s most recent “Community Updates.”
Many weeks of preparation had gone into the popular egg hunt prior to the decision.
“The event will not be rescheduled this year, but we will be raffling 12 prize baskets to Township children (ages 1-10),” the update said. “Enter the raffle online (one entry per Township child, please).” For more information, visit www.genoatwp.com.
Westerville Central, which is in southeastern Delaware County, has become an area with increased traffic safety concerns.
“Swerving, tailgating, passing and speeding have been observed in the area of Mount Royal Avenue primarily during Westerville Central High School’s starting, ending and lunch times,” the township said. “Alcott Elementary School and Hilmar Park are located adjacent to the high school making the magnitude of driver responsibility for pedestrian wellbeing immeasurable. …Risk of a fatal crash goes up in direct relation to the number of passengers in a car. The likelihood of teen drivers engaging in risky behavior triples when traveling with multiple passengers.”
Students and their families have received a communication from the Westerville City School District regarding the problems, with disciplinary measures in place for those operating their vehicle irresponsibly, including revocation of parking permits. Westerville Central’s School Resource Officer (a member of the Genoa police department) is coaching students on driving laws. Genoa Township Police are increasing their enforcement of the area.
“We have already had some stops 15-plus miles per hour over the 25-mph limit,” Genoa Chief of Police Steve Gammill said. “For teen drivers, a speeding ticket can also potentially lead to a license suspension and increased insurance rates. We would much rather avoid all that by having them obey the speed limit.”
That goes for adult drivers, as well.
“An officer must be a first-hand witness to driving infractions in order to issue a citation whereas, the school can take action based on tips,” the township said. “If you witness a driver operating in an unsafe manner, have your passenger document the license plate number. Do not distract yourself from driving to take a photo. Photos or videos taken by a passenger or pedestrian with the date/time and description of the event can be submitted to [email protected]. If the license plate is registered to a student, the school will follow-up with the driver.”
From 6-9 p.m. April 13, there will be a Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (also known by the acronym CRASE) course taught at the Genoa Township Police Station, 6921 Big Walnut Road, Galena.
“The (CRASE) course was built on the Avoid, Deny Defend (ADD) strategy developed by ALERRT in 2004, providing strategies, guidance and a proven plan for surviving an active shooter event,” the township said.
Assistant Editor Gary Budzak covers the eastern half of Delaware County and surrounding areas. He may be reached at [email protected].
