Community Update – 15th & Ash Street Pedestrian Safety Efforts

Hello everyone,

I wanted to share an update on the ongoing work to make 15th & Ash Street safer for our children and community.

This week, I formally emailed the City of Ottawa, Mayor Emily Allen, City Manager Brian Silcott, Chief of Police Adam Weingartner, Public Works Director DJ Welsh, KDOT District 4, USD 290 Superintendent Dr. Ryan Cobbs, the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce, and multiple local news outlets about the dangerous conditions at this crossing. I’ve requested both immediate safety measures (better markings, signage, and speed feedback signs) and long-term fixes like pedestrian-activated flashing lights or a HAWK signal.

Local media are now helping to spotlight these concerns, and our community’s voice is being heard:

🗞 FOX 4 Kansas City:
No citation for driver who struck Ottawa cross-country runner in crosswalk

🗞 KSHB 41 Action News:
Parents question Ottawa Police Department’s oversight after 12-year-old hit in school-zone crosswalk

These stories show exactly why we’re fighting for change.

Your continued support — signatures, shares, and respectful voices — are what make our message impossible to ignore. The more attention and engagement we bring, the sooner we can get real safety measures in place for our kids and neighbors.

Thank you to every single person who has signed, shared, and spoken up. Let’s keep pushing for accountability and action.

— Alexandria Cain
Organizer, 15th & Ash Pedestrian Safety Petition