DEAR SUN SPOTS: This is in regards to the “15 mph rules in school zones” (Nov. 8). What if the yellow flashing lights are on during a no school day such as Veterans Day, Thanksgiving weekend and weeklong vacation breaks? Does a driver still abide by the 15 mph when school is obviously not in session? I’d like that clarified in print, please. Thank you. — No Name, Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots went back to Sgt. David Chick, inspector of police for the Lewiston Police Department, who answered the original question. He wrote:

“Efforts are made to properly program the lights to the school schedule; that being said, a ‘glitch’ of that sort could still occur. This question was already answered in the information which was previously provided with the link to state statute, mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec2074.html

“Put ‘in print’ that would read:

§2074. Rates of speed: An operator shall operate a vehicle at a careful and prudent speed not greater than is reasonable and proper having due regard to the traffic, surface and width of the way and of other conditions then existing. [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]

1. Rates of speed. Except when conditions or other regulations require a lower speed, the following are maximum rates of speed:

A. 15 mph when traveling in a school zone:

(1) During recess;

(2) When children are going to or leaving school during school opening or closing hours. For purposes of this paragraph, school opening and closing hours are half hour before and half hour after the beginning of the school day and half hour before and half hour after the end of the school day;

(3) When school speed limit signs are flashing during school opening or closing hours; or

(4) At other times designated by a municipal traffic ordinance that regulates town ways that are classified as local by the Department of Transportation in accordance with the federal functional classification system. [2001, c. 145, §3 (RPR).]

“If it is not associated with the school opening and closing hours (i.e., a non-school day), then the reduced rates of speed associated with an established school zone do not apply.

“Perhaps we could make an argument that the posted signs could read ‘when school is open.’ As a general rule, it is better to communicate the most concise message to motorists.

“If the message of the associated signs take away from the perceived impact of effect from the flashing yellow lights, then I would politely argue that to be counterproductive. At the end of the day, no adverse harm should come by heeding to travel at 15 mph through that small designated zone area while the yellow lights are actively flashing!”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the person looking for the wreath-making workshop: Beaver Park, Lisbon, facebook.com/pages/Beaver-Park/186935761340304. — Joline via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots’ colleague, Corey, who edits community news, was able to provide some additional information.

The workshops will be from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 22 and 29, and from 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 23 and 30, and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 6.

Space is limited, and registration is required. The fee for wreaths made at the workshop is $15. Please contact Verla Brooks at 353-9075 or vbrooks@lisbonme.org to register for wreath class, to order one made or to have any questions answered.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We watch Channel 13 news most of the time. We’ve noticed we haven’t seen reporter Katherine Underwood or weathermen Steve Roldan and David Epstein. Have they moved to other stations? Thank you. — Mrs. Pulp Man, Peru

ANSWER: According to her Twitter feed, Underwood left the state and started at NECN on Sept. 15.

Epstein’s Twitter feed lists his employers as Boston.com and WGME, but it says he lives in Boston and he’s not listed as a member of the WGME team.

Roldan also isn’t on the list of the WGME team. Sun Spots didn’t find out where he went. Perhaps a reader will know.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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