Carbon County Sheriff Jeff Wood takes time from his busy schedule each week to share with Castle Country Radio listeners about important information that will affect citizens within the county. This week’s update focused on the growing population in Westwood and school security.

“Westwood as a neighborhood is growing at a rapid rate and the way that neighborhood was designed, it wasn’t designed for the traffic volume that it’s growing into now,” stated Wood. The new development of homes in that area has caused for new challenges in regards to traffic control signs or lack thereof. Attention was first brought to the Sheriff from residents living in the area who had noticed several cars traveling at a high rate of speed throughout the neighborhoods, as well as, failing to yield for pedestrians and/or other vehicles.

The concerns from the Westwood community urged the Sheriff to personally take a closer look at the current traffic situation. He arranged for Commissioner Casey Hopes and Road Shop Supervisor, Daniel Campbell to accompany him as they took a drive through the neighborhood to inspect and observe any troubled areas. “One thing that we decided that would be best is the side streets that are off of Westwood Boulevard are going to be posted at the speed limit of 15 miles per hour,” said Wood. Residents will notice the physical changes immediately, plus witness an increase in law enforcement officers patrolling the area to enforce the new traffic sign changes.

This Westwood situation was first shared by the Sheriff via social media which caused some residents to point out traffic issues in their neck of the woods. “If you live in one of the incorporated cities Wellington, Price, Helper, East Carbon you can contact the local city police or the local city planner if you’re not having any results with any signage you need on your street; that’s the duty of that city to do that,” stated Wood. CCSO prides itself in having a great working relationship with city police officers and will do their part in helping look at other areas in the county for possible traffic improvements.

On the heels of the country’s recent school shooting, many citizens got in touch with the Sheriff to learn what is being done in our area to ensure the safety of our children. “The Sheriff’s office philosophy on school security, we believe that a law enforcement presence in the school will curb any issues that occur at the school,” stated Wood. CCSO have partnered with local agencies in Price City to work out a rotation to allow for law enforcement officers to be at each of the schools as often as they can.

Residents can keep informed about the comings and goings of the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office by visiting their Facebook page or listen to KOAL AM750 each week to hear the Sheriff’s weekly update.