Introduction

Chevygirl and karebare.

Yes, there is more to the story. I know laidback and the situation.

The motorcycle was removed without permission or knowledge of the owner from the owner's garage. That should make it Grand Theft. However, the event took place about five years ago and laidback has been trying to collect the money for years. Laidback took it to the police when no money was forthcoming and more on principle than anything else.

I have advised Laidback to "just let it go". The person took the motorcycle and tore it down to a "basket case". It would cost more than the bike is worth to reassemble and probably more than a person could recover to take the case into court...lol.

What goes around comes around. The person got the bike, but it is just taking up space. It is not of any use and, if he wants a motorcycle to ride, he would still have to buy one or invest more than one in ridable condition to fix the "basket kit" he has in his position. Laidback still has the title. All I have to say to the guy is "Good Luck"! But I think God provided the vengeance on this little act.

Leo L. Southworth

laidback

I understand your frustation however this is a civil matter not criminal. If you allowed someone to take it, and they did not pay you that is not theft. This is something you have to take up in court yourself. Not to mention.. in the dept's defense do you know how many cases they get everyday ?? I assure you yours is not the only one. Please try to be understanding, they are trying but have so many reports it takes time.

Chief Archer

I like the idea of the signs for use during times of traffic congestion. As a former over-the-road trucker, I know that they don't like to be stuck in a traffic jam. It happens, though.

I have been meaning to ask why our truck routes are used by so few of the many trucks that pass through Brazil, even when traffic is light. I live within viewing distance of one of them, but I see few trucks on it. Every time I pass through the intersection of National and Forest Avenues, there are several trucks there.

I read that some drivers have ignored the directions of Police officers and that bothers me some. I do believe the law in almost every state says that the directions of an officer on the scene overides the driver's desires and the passive directions of traffic signals. Not wanting to tell you how to run your department, but from my own experience, writing one citation for the first driver that doesn't comply may slow traffic for a few minutes, but the traffic will move quicker when the truckers obey the officers. I've seen this happen in several towns in several states. Traffic control is a lot easier when the officers have control.

Re-read my opinion-I care less if you agree or if you disagree, I still had a great day!! I am entitled to write my opinion just like all you big time bloggers-- I did not say it was a bad idea, maybe bad timing, but I didn't say that at that time either,

Chief Dave Archer performs his duties above and beyond expectations. This man works extra hours and helps out any officer at the department. His week does not consist of 40 hours, that is a very low underestimate of how much this man dedicates himself to the department. What crazy comment can you think of next. Heaven forbid Chief Archer have a little time to himself and blog about whats going on at the department.

Centered ~

Chief Archer has a reputation of performning his duties above and beyond expectations ~ ever stop to think that he is posting his blog ~ which is an exceptional idea ~ after his duties as Chief? Look at all the positive changes coming forth since he was appointed just a few short days ago~ Brazil has been waiting years for a Chief of this caliber ~ he doesn't appear to be shirking any duties in my opinion ~ Bridge Fest traffic control was outstanding ~ meanwhile an armed robbery suspect was apprehended and I've witnessed Officers out issuing citations ~ what exactly do you have to gripe about?

Centered - How long does it take to "blog"? Myself, I spend an average of maybe three hours a week, reading and writing. I have spent more, but I have spent lees.....lol.

Even the Chief of Police deserves some off-time, he is on-call 24/7 but he is not on duty 24/7. If he wishes to spend his time blogging, isn't that his business?

I think that it is a great effort on his part to inform the public and let us know his opinions. If he spoke on the same subjects at the Courthouse Square, how many would or could show up to listen? His message posted on Thursday and you posted your comment on Saturday. No public meeting is going to run four days, yet with the blog he can respond to your comment. Also, isn't public relations a part of any organization? Remember, our government is supposed to work for us, not against us or on us. It helps when they talk to us so we can understand why they do some of the things that they do.

Thanks, Dave, for the blog and welcome to the blog world.

Leo L. Southworth

"Parole" should actually be "payroll" in my last post ~ I wouldn't really want our Officers out on Parole or for that matter anybody on parole directing our traffic ~ LOL

Joe... Head this way next time I-70 shuts down and you will see what a good use of time this was!

joemacaroon,

I understand that you might not know what it's like when I-70 shuts down in our county since you live in Greencastle, but it turns into a bloody nightmare.

"Traffic will take care of itself," apparently you weren't visiting the area during the floods when traffic was backed up for three days in every direction.

You also weren't here when traffic backed up for over 16 hours that Christmas a few years ago. After trying for an hour, I couldn't get across US 40 to go to a Christmas program at Jackson Elementary!

When I-70 shuts down, it is horrible here. Especially when it comes from the East.

The police department does send semis straight through town when this happens, but like the story says, the drivers ignore police officers. I have seen one semi driver thumb his nose while turning in front of an officer signaling him to go straight and another argue with a police officer while his truck blocked US 40. I'm sure the two got tickets for their arrogance.

It's not a question of helping Illinois drivers home quicker, it is an issue of getting our streets back to a normal amount of traffic that is safer for our community and its citizens.

Also, read the story in this same paper about the traffic signs the department bought to help out in these types of situations. Former police chief Terry Harrison recognized it and ordered the signs and our current chief Dave Archer is fighting INDOT to allow our city officers the right to change the lights in an emergency. That's great progress!

Thanks guys for all the great work you do.

Welcome to the blogger world Dave! I am so glad you are here! New in town but have heard nothing but very positive reactions about your new appointment! Many great wishes and best of luck to you in all you do!

Sincerely,

Karen Meister

Thank you for reaching out to the Community ~ this is a great tool to communicate with the citizens of Brazil ~ I look forward to reading your future blogs ~