A motorcyclist passes through the intersection of Husky Trail and North Pointe Drive a few days after an 8-year-old boy was hit and killed while crossing the street on June 10. A makeshift memorial for the boy and Harrison Elementary can be seen in the background.

WARSAW — Mayor Joe Thallemer said city officials will be working on changes along Husky Trail where two people have died in traffic accidents, including an 8-year-old boy in June.

Thallemer made the announcement Monday night, July 1, during a city council meeting.

Thallemer acknowledged the traffic issue on Husky Trail is a “critical problem” and said the city will be seeking “concrete answers.”

Thallemer’s comments were prompted by a question from Sara McNeal-Strahan Lenfestey, who spoke at the end of the meeting and asked what was being done about traffic along Husky Trail.

Gidieon Cook, 8, was struck and killed by a car on June 10 as he was returning home after summer school classes. The student had been dropped off at Harrison Elementary and was crossing Husky Trail on his way home with other siblings.

On Jan. 22, 2016, Sharon Mitterling, 67, was struck by a vehicle when she was crossing the road to retrieve her mail.

McNeal-Strahan Lenfestey said she’s been canvassing the Glad Street neighborhood near the school asking for support on the topic of improved safety.

“When can our children and our residents in our community be safe again?” McNeal-Strahan Lenfestey asked. “What ways are being explored to ensure safety to all of our residents on Husky Trail?” 

McNeal-Strahan Lenfestey lives near the school and her son attended Harrison and used to avoid walking along Husky Trail.

She said she knew both victims. She also happens to be a candidate for city council in the fall election.

“Our traffic flow should never be more important than the lives of our children and our residents, so we are asking that city council will hear us and end up moving quickly on this matter,” she said.

Thallemer expressed sorrow over the deaths of both victims.

Thallemer said he met with school officials and other city officials two days after the fatal accident in June to look at options for improving the traffic along Husky.

He said city officials met with representatives of Warsaw Community School District and a member of the city traffic commission two days after the boy died to look at what can be done. He said the city and school will continue to work together to improve safety issues on the road..

“You’re right,” Thallemer told McNeal-Strahan Lenfestey. “Something’s gotta give.”

The traffic commission will look into the issue at 1 p.m., July 10, Thallemer said.

“I know the traffic commission is going to look at all the different options,” Thallemer said.

In another matter, council voiced support for looking into hiring its own attorney. Look for a full report on this topic Tuesday on InkFreeNews.com.