Du Quoin police serious about game-time parking around DHS

Effective Monday, April 28 the Du Quoin Police Department will begin ramping up their enforcement of "No Parking" ordinances around the Du Quoin High School.

Parents and friends dropping off and picking up students in front of the school will get a pass. Otherwise, the enforcement focus is clearly on game time parking during football, basketball and baseball around VanMetre Field, the baseball park and the entrance to Anders Gymnasium.

Specifically, Chief of Police Jamie Ellermeyer is concerned about three areas: 1. Absolutely no parking in front of the Ameren electrical substation on East Olive Street just west of the baseball park. 2.) Fire hydrants in the vicinity of the Mike Wilson home on Laurel Avenue and 3.) narrow streets like Peach Street north of the football stadium and South Madison Street alongside the west end of the football field and baseball park.

Ellermeyer said the student parking lot northwest of the high school is only a short walk from any place on campus and that is where game spectators should park.

Ellermeyer said trees are being trimmed along Peach Street to facilitate access by firefighting and ambulance equipment.

"No Parking Tow Away Zone" signage will be installed in the vicinity of the Ameren substation and fire hydrants. Vehicles parked in these areas are subject to towing at the owner's expense.

Ellermeyer asked for the public's assistance in honoring these ordinances. He said it is imperative that emergency vehicles have clear paths around these areas. Fines against violators were not immediately available.

Ellermeyer said his department is meeting with school administrators to achieve an effective means of enforcement as a matter of safety.