Why the delay?

The Maine Department of Transportation should act on a request submitted earlier this year from the town of Windham to reduce the speed limit on River Road.

The Windham Town Council earlier this year requested the transportation department take a look at speed limits on the road that links North Windham with Westbrook near the Sappi paper mill. The road is dangerous and at times, frightening, even at the posted speed limit. Something needs to be done, before more people lose their lives.

In 2005, two men died either while walking along the road or crossing it. Winfred Strout died a year ago this week and Robert LaMontagne died in January. They were both Windham residents. Both were tragic accidents, and the families of both the victims and drivers are no doubt still living with great sadness.

Police determined both men were struck by motorists who weren’t driving more than the speed limit, which helps prove that perhaps the speed limits are too high. Before the drivers knew what was happening, it was too late. Be it reduced sight lines caused by the undulating surface of the road or corners where seeing ahead is difficult, River Road is pedestrian-unfriendly at best and deadly at worst.

The men were respected. One, LaMontagne, was known by many River Road motorists as the guy who would pick up our discarded trash and bottles along the side of the road. He lived on River Road near Thayer’s Store and enjoyed walking the road each day. He was most happy when walking. Observant motorists who came to expect the figure of LaMontagne as they drove the road couldn’t help but see the joy in his step.

Win Strout was known by many in town as well, but in a different way. An older gentlemen at the time of death, Strout served in various elected and appointed positions in town government and was active at Windham Hill United Church of Christ as well as the local Kiwanis Club. He had many friends and spent time with them regularly. He was known as one of the good guys in town – a real Mainer.

Their deaths last year on River Road need to be made right by doing something to the speed limit. Harried commuters may not appreciate a reduced speed limit but reducing speeds is exactly what needs to happen, especially in the narrow, twisting sections and on the straightaways as well.

The Windham Town Council was right to request the transportation department to reduce the speed limit. We’re not sure what’s taking the state so long to analyze the road. Whatever their reason, it can’t be good enough. We just hope we don’t see another person die on the road before the transportation department does something.

Bold move

Something happened in Windham this week that you just don’t hear about everyday. According to a front page story, an employee at Quiznos in North Windham took on a robber and won, with the help of his trusty handgun.

After Sunday night’s shift, assistant manager Michael Kry was on his way to his car when a man stopped him in the parking lot and demanded a bag of money. The two men wrestled to get the night deposit, but when the assailant drew a knife, the employee drew a gun. Needless to say, the attempted robbery ended with the would-be robber hightailing it out of there.

While this occurrence is both disturbing and a little comical (reminding movie buffs of a scene from Indiana Jones), we hope this story gets out to all the derelicts thinking about stealing from others. And with the number of recent news stories out there dealing with bank robberies and break-ins, it seems there are many people who need to hear that their next “job” might be their last, because there are people out there willing to fight back.

Kry is worthy of admiration. He could have been seriously injured or killed by standing up to the assailant, and in most situations, giving thieves what they want is the best choice. Some could say rightfully that he should have given up the money bag to stay safe. But, luckily, the would-be victim kept the upper hand while calling his attacker’s bluff.

So, while he’s on a roll, why not recognize him with employee-of-the-month honors. He obviously has a strong devotion for his job and employer. If his selfless acts don’t deserve such recognition, we’re not sure what does.

-John Balentine, editor