If you drive regularly on Edwardsville Drive or south 104th Street, you no doubt have noticed the new flashing signs warning drivers of the school zones.

When the flashing yellow lights are active, the speed limit is strictly enforced at 20 miles per hour. The lights have clearly marked signs attached, which inform drivers when they are entering and leaving the speed limit zone.

Please use caution when driving in these areas. The safety of the school children should be a high priority for everyone.

The annual clean up weekend for Edwardsville is scheduled for May 19. Trash dumpsters will be on hand as usual for those who wish to dispose of waste that they have gathered. I mention this because lately we have noticed a rise in the occurrences of illegal dumping in certain areas of town. Of all the violations of state and local law that we see on a regular basis, this is one of the most disgusting, most disrespectful and most frustrating.

A few sorry individuals see fit to ruin some of our most beautiful rural landscapes with their garbage. I've seen everything lately. You name it, someone will toss it on the side of the road. I've seen tree limbs, roofing shingles, sofas, chairs large appliances, clothing and dead animals. It makes me sick and angry that anyone would disgrace their community or their neighbors by this act.

It is sad, but I know that many people have little or no pride in how they are seen by others. They prove this when they trash the city with their foul garbage for everyone to see. If you see this crime occur, please help us out. Report it immediately. Get a license tag, vehicle and suspect description. Assist us in stopping this crime.

Finally, May 25 - 28 is the Memorial Day weekend holiday. For those of you who will be traveling out of town by car, be careful. Maintain a legal, safe speed and use your turn signals when changing lanes and turning. More traffic means more opportunities to be involved in a preventable accident.

If you plan on partying, don't drink and drive. I know I say this every year, but it needs to be said. The Edwardsville and Bonner Springs police departments, as well as the Kansas Highway Patrol, will be out looking for intoxicated drivers, so be forewarned. Have a great holiday.