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Is It a Speed Trap? Save Email Print
Posted: 6:08 AM Jan 11, 2008
 Last Updated: 8:39 AM Jan 11, 2008
 Reporter: Michael Wooten
Email Address: michael.wooten@wsaz.com
96 comments
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NewsChannel 3 investigated accusations against a small town.

The mayor of Hanging Rock, Ohio, is accused of violating the Constitution and he may have to defend himself in court.

NewsChannel 3's Michael Wooten found out many Ohio towns could be affected by one local woman's crusade.

It's a complicated case involving very big issues like separation of powers, justice and small town politics. But it boils down to this, does a mayor have the power to serve as judge and jury when deciding legal matters like speeding tickets.

The small village of Hanging Rock, Ohio, has a dubious distinction.

When asked whether Courtney Johnson believes Hanging Rock is a speed trap, she said yes. "They like to sit right over here under this underpass and just wait for you."

Last year, she was near that underpass when an officer pulled her over.

"They got me for all this stuff that I just didn't do. They said the roads were icy and they were clear. They said that I almost caused a wreck in moderate traffic, and there were just three vehicles on the road."

The bigger controversy, once you're ticketed in Hanging Rock, the case goes before the mayor's court.

Mayor Chris Davidson also serves as the judge and jury.

Karen Lahr found that to be outrageous and illegal.

So she filed a lawsuit, saying the mayor "has abused and is abusing and ignoring the Constitution of the United States of America." And a federal appeals court seems to agree.

In 1999, it ruled mayors cannot serve as judges, because they have an inherent conflict of interest.

A study by the Ohio Supreme Court shows Hanging Rock, population 279, had nearly 2,000 cases last year in mayor's court.

That's an average of nearly 700 cases per 100 people. The third highest rate of any town in Ohio.

At mayor's court Thursday night, the mayor had no comment.

He was polite and said he would sit down with WSAZ NewsChannel 3 after the legal issues are over.

The Ohio Supreme Court is pushing for a bill that would ban these mayor's courts.

Right now, it's in the judiciary committee in Columbus.
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Posted by: Sharon on Jun 12, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Well, I live in a small village and thanks to articles like this one and many others towns, are afraid to write tickets from being deemed a speed trap. If you were not speeding and did not cause an accident be it one or 5 car accident then that is one thing. But people speed thur small towns like there is no speed limit nor children playing!!! It is in the publics best interest to catch the speeders before the reach the populated areas. If you knew there is a police officer around you slow down then you speed up after you think you can get away with it. COME ON WE ALL DO IT. Just slow down. If not then you get what you desire.
Posted by: stx22000 on May 31, 2008 at 09:26 AM
this seems to be a problem no matter where you go. it seems the officials and higher ups are only worried about one thing, "money". they are not concerned about the well being of citizens, we are just a job to them.....and as far as being a mayor, judge, and jury? you might as well be the executioner. where do they pass these laws so that you can be both or whatever you want to be. i think you should be one or the other. i once had a public defender in indiana that served as the judge in a later date. i dont get it. this is a free country but i think they are misunderstanding free for free for the taking.....
Posted by: coalgrove on Jan 30, 2008 at 12:42 PM
hear there was a drive by shooting in hanging rock monday ,how did the police get of the highway.hope no one was hurt.
Posted by: susie waugh on Jan 30, 2008 at 09:57 AM
i hear there was a drive by shooting in hanging rock.
Posted by: To ohio citizen Ironton on Jan 24, 2008 at 05:51 PM
Yeah i will let let the police do their jobs, when they do it...no one is mad at the world but you bud.
Posted by: ohio citizen Ironton on Jan 23, 2008 at 11:15 PM
To hmmmmmmmmmm Hello and all to post from ohio citizen : Your post makes no sense at all " You have no clue who I am or what I do and I have a life and a job a good one I might add and a level head and knowledge of what is going on. To the other post for your info when tickets are written sometimes they uncover a multitude of other things such as , drugs , DUI's , and most of these tickets start with guess what the speeder. There is no such thing as a "speed trap" if one is not speeding how can they be trapped you violaters are guilty and mad because you got caught. Let the police do their job after all it is you they are protecting and your loved ones. It is people like you that only like the police if you need them otherwise you hate them. If you feel wronged go to court then defend yourself in a civil manner . Abide by the law and you won't be on here posting and bashng the police. So, You get a life whatever your name or number is you sound mad at the world. have a great one
Posted by: Roy on Jan 23, 2008 at 03:25 PM
I recently received a ticket that is and was a lie by the State Highway Patrol. I made the mistake of calling Ironton Ohio a speed trap during the trial. I will never spend a dime in Lawerence County Ohio. I recently moved back to the area from Ft. Wayne In, and was considering living in Ironton. Not a chance of your county getting a dime from me. The Judge was obviously upset that I called the area a speed trap. Found guilty and I paid the fine. Bottom line I was NOT Guilty. Oh, I moved to Greenup Kentucky instead of Ohio, they will get my tax dollars not Lawerence County.
Posted by: Mike on Jan 23, 2008 at 09:45 AM
I drove thru Hanging rock today. I'm confused on what they are stating is a speed trap? The speed limit in Wheelersburg is 65 it than is clearly marked reduced speed ahead in Franklin Furnace and I believe when you enter Lawrence County which is west of hanging rock the limit reduces to 55. And the speed limit thru HR is 55 and east of HR is 55? Where is the speed trap? I do agree that the Mayor shouldn't be the judge and jury. when that person has an obvious interest in finding someone guilty. Hire a part time traffic judge.. Problem solved. I think they can and should give tickets to people speeding. I would say a speed trap would be 65 to 35 mph than back to 65 with no signs warniong of the changes in speed limits. that doesn't appear to be the case.
Posted by: To hmmm on Jan 20, 2008 at 04:54 PM
HELLO? It is quite obvious when drugs are being passed around, and guess what?? If tickets are more important than busting drugs, GET A LIFE!
Posted by: coalgrove on Jan 20, 2008 at 04:53 PM
WHY DONT HANGING ROCK PASS THE VILLAGE INCOME TAX THAT COAL GROVE &IRONTON HAS MORE MONEY TO PLAY WITH .STOP SPEED TRAP LITTLE BIT HMMMMMMMM.
Posted by: To posted to ohio citizen on Jan 20, 2008 at 04:51 PM
For one get over yourself...and yes I do know what it takes to bust meth labs...you have no clue who I am or what I do...you are the jerk for calling names..I fell sorry for you to have to call others names to make yourself look better on what the internet?? What a joke! And if you are so high and mighty, like hmmmm posted why are people getting away with DUI'S Mr. bigshot? Wow if you think that they are so heroic that they do nothing but sit along a highway and pull over someone who goes 5 miles over the speed limit?? Get a life and a job!
Posted by: ohio citizen on Jan 20, 2008 at 11:40 AM
To hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm if this Ricky Morgan has 7 DUI's then is he driving on a suspended license?? Then the law biding citizens needs to go the the prosecutor and voice this and demand something be done with him unfortunatly some slip by , I do not know this person but, he needs to be off the road , I agree he is a very high risk to everyone on the roadway and if he has 7 DUI's and is still driving I would think he is a felony offender and never learned his lesson still drives and this must happen s lot and then if he kills someone the authorities will say what happened that this man is still driving and of course they will pass the buck and blame someone else . Report this man find out why he is still driving it's your life too. Good Luck I hope he is busted and off the road probably has no insurance either.
Posted by: hmmmmmmmmmmm on Jan 19, 2008 at 11:55 AM
POLICE WORK TO KEEP ROAD SAFE WELL WELL THEN WHY IS RICKY MORGAN BACK ON THE ROAD AGAIN 7 DUI. SEEN HIM WITH MY 2 EYES NOT 4 EYES.IF HE KILLS SOME ONE THEN WHO DO YOU BLAME. HAPPY DAY ALL
Posted by: ohio citizen on Jan 18, 2008 at 10:42 AM
This is for HELLO what a jerk, you think it is easy to work and bust Meth Labs , do you read the paper or know what it takes to bust these drugies ? Do you think because someone tells a police officer they are making Meth that he police can just go bust them "NOT" that is why there are task forces, regular road officers are busy enforcing laws(which they are paid to do) to keep the roads safe from violaters that includes speeders and all violaters, this woman just wants to do what she wants and blame it oin anything to get her way she even admits she has been stopped before. CINDY inher post tells evryone that wants to speed to cross over to KY. These so called fine people has the answer to get by with violating the laws of the road and to endanger the lives of people that stay within the law and drive like they should. This woman needs to slow down , I hope KY officers cracks down on these Ohio drivers that breaks the law there. Keep up the good work Hanging Rock. "BUST THEM".
Posted by: Lauren on Jan 17, 2008 at 11:30 AM
I am glad someonme is finally fighting back for once people need to understand we are getting raped of our rights a little everyday!
Posted by: Not a speed trap on Jan 15, 2008 at 06:57 PM
How can it be a speed trap if you are speeding and you are caught , No such thing as a speed trap these people want to violate the law and no one stop them , what do they think that Police officers are trained to do and why does the State, County & Cities hire police to do, duhh enforce ALL laws to protect all people. This woman belly aching is nothing more then SOUR GRAPES she no doubt violates the law by speeding and does not want anyone to bother her sounds like she thinks she is ABOVE THE LAW, why does she think she is so special, she needs to go lay down and shut up. Read Cindy's post she says cross over to ky and speed there . Point made these violaters are every day all the time violaters of the traffic laws and they are probably always running late so they speed to try and catch up for the time they are late getting to their jobs why don't they just tell the truth and quit blaming everyone else, especially the police doing their jobs.
Posted by: NO SPEED TRAP on Jan 15, 2008 at 06:40 PM
How can it be a speed trap, if you are speeding you are guilty of speeding this is not trap, you complainers just want to speed and no one bother or stop you . What do you think Police Officers are trained and hired by State, Ciounty &
Posted by: HELLO? on Jan 15, 2008 at 05:55 PM
well I think that the officers should seriously do some real work and work on the meth labs and the drug problems instead of doing petty work...oh wait they may have to actually get their hands dirty!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 14, 2008 at 11:06 PM
How sbout the slow n go caught on camera by WSAZ you people are so dumb about what you think you know about the law if it jumped UP and bit you on the backside you wouldnt know it, 55 is 55 not 56 or 60 0r 65 STOP means stop, if your unsure about traffic laws then take a re-fresher in driving school, LAW is not GRAY but black n white OBEY IT PAY FOR PAY FOR IT !
Posted by: jolene on Jan 14, 2008 at 05:00 PM
Hanging Rock Ohio has always been a speed trap our family has travel from huntington to columbus for many years and have gotten pulled over for stuff that didn't happen its a joke in our family we just have payed our tickets and went on cost more to fight ticket
Posted by: Mel on Jan 14, 2008 at 12:45 PM
I had a law professor in the early 90's comment that Hanging Rock was a speed trap. I've never gotten caught in it, but that tells you how long this has been going on.
Posted by: Phil on Jan 14, 2008 at 05:11 AM
Someone mentioned coal grove cops. Speeding is against the law, my theory is if I'm caught, I deserve the fine, no belly-aching. Coal Grove pulled me over above the Grandview inn, I crossed the Ashland bridge, don't really see how I was speeding in his jurisdiction....oh well.
Posted by: anon on Jan 14, 2008 at 01:55 AM
Yea, the coal trucks are definitely hauling more than coal!
Posted by: john on Jan 14, 2008 at 12:28 AM
They would pull that in the state oh Ohio...thats terrible
Posted by: missy on Jan 13, 2008 at 10:34 PM
I was pulled over on the highway near hanging rock, right where the speed limit changes from 65 to 55 when i was talking the hanging rock police officer i could still see the 55 speed limit sign in my rear veiw window. I think he could have at least gave it a little time to see if I was slowing down.
Posted by: Concerned Family on Jan 13, 2008 at 10:34 PM
I agree with hert o a point. I live in hanging rock and I will only do 55 mph thur there because of the cops. I have gotten pulled over for going 56 mhp thur hanging rock. I agree that there needs to be a real judge and a real jury. But it would help if you just go the speed limit and it would keep alot of people from getting tickets.
Posted by: what if no police on Jan 13, 2008 at 10:15 PM
this whole topic is for the people that speed and dont think they need a speeding ticket. 56mph in a 55mph zone is against the law. PEOPLE LIKE THIS DONT LIKE THESE POLICE UNTIL THEY NEED THEM. THEY ARE DOING THEIR JOBS, YOU DO THE SAME BY OBEYING THE LAW!
Posted by: tony on Jan 13, 2008 at 05:57 PM
I think a lot of these people need to learn how to spell and quit worrying about what the police do or don't do.
Posted by: $$$$$ on Jan 13, 2008 at 04:19 PM
HANGING ROCK POLICE DEPT. ALL ABOUT MONEY ,THEY REALLY NEED TO WATCH SPEEDING ON 650 AND THE STRIP MINE PEOPLE ARE DEALING DRUGS THERE.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 13, 2008 at 02:22 PM
What I thought was funny is the fact that she said she was innocent but during the story on WSAZ they showed her driving as part of the story and her vehicle came up to a stop sign and she did a Hollywood stop and rolled right through it. ALL CAUGHT ON TAPE but I guess she didn't do that either. LMAO.
Posted by: Concerned Citizen on Jan 13, 2008 at 01:18 PM
Ft. Gay is no longer a speed trap because someone challenged a ticket they got in Ft. Gay a while back and it was determined under W.V. law that Ft. Gay is not a big enough town to use radar. If they can't use radar, they can't be a speed trap anymore thank goodness for that.
Posted by: Ernie on Jan 13, 2008 at 01:13 PM
Along with all the other small villages.
Posted by: Steve on Jan 13, 2008 at 11:34 AM
I think if the people of Hanging Rock want a Police Department to protect then, then the mayor has an obligation to serve the citizens. He should spend his money and resources protecting and patrolling the streets of the village of Hanging Rock. He should leave the highway in the quite capable hands of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Posted by: Steve on Jan 13, 2008 at 11:05 AM
I wonder why these kinds of courts are illegal in 48 states in this country.
Posted by: no such thing as a speed trap on Jan 13, 2008 at 08:04 AM
OHIO DOES NOT ALlOW SPEEDING!!! How can there be a speed "TRAP" Cindy's post said it all she as good as admitted she speeds and her answer to allow her to keep speeding is cross over to ky so she can continue speeding AND BREAKING THE LAW. Hooray for H R for doing their job and keeping the roads safe. Ohio comes to ky and breaks the laws and all they now is to get in the left lane and congest traffic, this is a passing lane not a sight seeing lane. Ky is getting ready to slow the Ohio speeders down and I hope Cindy and all like her get their first ticket in KY. as it will cost her a her a big fine, court costs in KY are over a $100.00 and that is not including the fine it is based on how much over the limit you are. I would like to see some of these belly achers work for a while as a Police Officer and take the abuse these so called good citizens complain about. YES, YOU GUESSED IT I'M A KY POLICE OFFICER,CINDY WE'LL BE WATCHING FOR YOU AND YOUR LEAD FOOT VIOLATING THE KY LAWS.
Posted by: tammy on Jan 13, 2008 at 12:47 AM
The solution is.. dont speed. my goodness stop your crying and obey the law!!
Posted by: I got a solution on Jan 13, 2008 at 12:45 AM
hey did anyone know that speeding is against the law?? yeah thats why your getting pulled over!!!a simple solution is, DONT SPEED!!!!!
Posted by: ME on Jan 13, 2008 at 12:12 AM
Question to Ponder>>>>>>If the speed is posted, then how can it be a trap. A trap would be if there were no posted speed, if there are speed signs and you choose to speed, then is that not your fault, thereby not making it trap at all, but rather your ignorance of the law?
Posted by: Lu on Jan 12, 2008 at 11:39 PM
As I recall, Mayberry had a sheriff that was judge and jury and no one complained ('cept that one city slicker), gosh how times have changed......seriously folks, just slow down, watch your speed where ever your journey's may lead.
Posted by: Michael on Jan 12, 2008 at 11:15 PM
For "just a thought" I don't think people are complaining about getting the ticket. It appears to me they are complaining about the judge jury mayor issue. Wouldn't you be upset by having to face a Mayor as the judge of your guilt or innocence in a courtroom who has a vested interest in your being found guilty? I sure would, I have never received a ticket in HR, but I also obey the speed limit. don't think thats the problem here though. All I can say is welcome to small town politics and police departments.
Posted by: in response to on Jan 12, 2008 at 10:28 PM
n brown, you said you live in coal grove and never see a cop car pulling anyone over, your likely in a residential area. Coal Grove targets US. 52 not backyard dead end streets where two old couples, a young couple, a dog and one nosey neighbor. But not many cars passing by at high rates of speed. Hence the highway. Nevertheless, try night-time where visibility is more clear when the shining lights are ever so bright. All up and down the strectch of 52 is lit up like Christmas lights all night every night. It's the cruisers all right.
Posted by: Concerned Citizen on Jan 12, 2008 at 10:24 PM
It most definitely is a speed trap and there are more like in that area.
Posted by: thanks god on Jan 12, 2008 at 10:24 PM
It is about darn time someone did something about Hanging Rock & South Points speed traps. Not only does Hanging Rock have a huge reputation of speed trapping drives but south point as well. Wheelersburg is just as guilty. All of lower county Lawerence Ohio has been a speed trap for as long as I can remember. It's one big controlled stretch. Wheelersburg they stay permanately parked at the bottom of the bridge that intersects with the wv intersection and ohio. coal grove hides on us 52 south point hides in the middle lanes, side pull offs, wal-mart parking lot, post office lot, industrial overpass & dead end exits. So notorious. The bunch of them. Hopefully people will now start to speak out finally.
Posted by: TELL THE TRUTH on Jan 12, 2008 at 09:27 PM
PPL NEED TO GROW UP AND STOP CRYING AND ACTING LIKE THEY KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT BEFORE DO A LITTLE RESEARCH AND THE MEDIA DOESNT TELL THE WHOLE STORY.... AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH EVERY PERSON THAT GETS A TICKET IN ANY MAYORS COURT HAS THE RIGHT TO HAVE IT TRANSFER TO MUNICIPAL COURT, ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS ASK....AND MAYORS ARE ELECTED POSITIONS JUST LIKE JUDGES WHICH THEY FAILED TO REPORT.....WHO PAYS JUDGES SALARIES? THE COUNTY....WERE DOES THE COUNTY GET THEIR MONEY? FINES AND TICKETS PPL PAY FOR BREAKING THE LAW EVEN IF ITS DISMISSED...EVER HEARD OF COURT COST?.....SO WHATS THE DIFFERENCE EXCEPT THAT MAYORS USUALLY GET PAID VERY LITTLE IF ANY TO BE A MAYOR...WHILE ELECTED JUDGES MAKE CLOSE TO 100,000 A YEAR....ALSO DOING A LITTLE RESEARCH MAYORS HAVE TO HAVE TRAINING TO BE ABLE TO HOLD COURT.....SO YOU TELL ME....WHATS THE DIFFERENCE.......
Posted by: Amy on Jan 12, 2008 at 02:43 PM
New Boston works the same way. The mayor is the judge and jury.
Posted by: ken on Jan 12, 2008 at 12:46 PM
the biggest difference is that in ft gay,wv there is several kids that play in the town not like in hanging rock,oh lets all slow down and leave 5 minutes earlier and all be safe in ft gay,wv especially for the kids!!!!!!
Posted by: cee on Jan 12, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Yes it is! I will not got thru that area, I go around!!! Catlettsburg also has a speed trap that has been there for years.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 12, 2008 at 10:28 AM
I was pulled over in HR for a license plate light out. Funny thing is, I had just left Advance and had a brake light put in because it wasn't working and knew my license plate light was working, I got out of the car and said my light is working, then the officer said, well I thought you were someone else driving this car, so in other words he thought it was someone he was wanting to talk to like my daughter. He had a funny look on his face when I said I wanted to check the light. They just do some stupid things and why they elected Davidson back in is beyond me. I make sure I go the speed limit in that area because I don't trust any of them, Courtney Johnson only spoke the truth and they don't need to bash her for that. I hope Karen wins this case, I am pulling for her all the way!!!
Posted by: Right on Jan 12, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Without a doubt it is a speed trap. After all how can a village of a couple hundred survive without collecting some fines for speeding. Of course it is a speed trap now and always has been. Come on America give these fine folks a BREAK!! I agree this needs to be stopped. I recall just a few years back where there was some disagreement of who had a right to ticket drivers once they entered the village of Hanging Rock. The argument then was it is our domain it's our only tax base. My recall may be a little off but this seemed to be the jest of the story.
Posted by: Cindy on Jan 12, 2008 at 05:56 AM
If you're going from Portsmouth to Ashland or Huntington, why not just go the Kentucky side? I've never gotten a ticket in Hanging Rock, but I've heard it is a speed trap and they will stop you for 1 mph over the limit. That is a little rediculous. It is also rediculous for one man to be the mayor/judge and jury. Where is the money going? It's sure not going toward repaving US route 52. That comes from the States pocket, so you would think the state would do something about this little po dunk town and mayor making so much profit off of it.
Posted by: bob on Jan 11, 2008 at 11:57 PM
aaa has listed hanging rock as a speed trap for years it aand fort gay wv where my dad was pulled over for 28 in a 25 zone i try to avoid this routes as aaa advises its members gives the towns a bad name i hear fort gay has slowed down the traps now.
Posted by: Jim on Jan 11, 2008 at 11:28 PM
I was pulled over in Hanging rock many years ago and ticketed for 56 in a 55 and was taken to mayors court the same day. I was told that since I had an out of state license I had to pay the fine immediatly or spend the night in jail.
Posted by: Karen on Jan 11, 2008 at 09:33 PM
As a person that can vouch for both sides of this argument, I will honestly say that I think its wrong for the villages to do their own court. I've had family that has had to sit in on these court hearings and I even told them that it was wrong. Last year I was pulled over in Coal Grove and given a $100.00 ticket for going over the speed limit in which I politely told the officer that I wasn't...and well, after pleading my case he got really rude. This was my first ticket ever. I know the village system and knew that going to court wasn't going to help so I went ahead and paid the thing. Don't get me wrong, not all of the cops in these villages are bad..I know quite a few of them personally , but there are really some out there that shouldn't have their badge. And it's the ones that are bad that go out with a vengence and try and "find" something wrong and when it goes to court, it's your word against theirs and these villages need the money. The cruisers all need cameras like H.R.
Posted by: Here's A Thought on Jan 11, 2008 at 08:44 PM
How can a police officer in plan sight be a speed trap. And you say you know he is sitting there. Not all Mayor's Court have the Mayor as the judge. Get your facts straight. You want them gone, what will you do when someone is breaking in your home you will want them then Huh? Just not when your speeding and risking someone elses life. I've been driving in Lawrence County for 30 years and never ever never been stopped by any police officers. I have the upmost respect for them and pray for there safety. They are paid very low wages and ticket count doesnt matter. I knew one personally who was lucky to write 3 a month if that many. This will always be 2 sided. The ones who are breaking the law will moan and gripe and the ones who obey the law will understand there side. Lets worry more about the drunk drivers, than the officers who are out there trying to get them off the road. Life is to short to whine about a speeding ticket. Get a Real Life.
Posted by: jenifer chafin on Jan 11, 2008 at 07:48 PM
karen email me at tiffany_chafin2006@yahoo.com this is jenifer chafin
Posted by: anon on Jan 11, 2008 at 07:46 PM
Posted To:Anonymous, I find it hard to believe that an OFFICER would pull over a speeder and come out and say give me cash and I'll let the ticket go! Sometimes they are nice enough to let you go and warn you to not do it again,when they don't have to! Be Grateful! Would I donate money to the CITY or K-9 Dogs for warning me! MOST LIKLEY! I see nothing wrong if the city ask the towns people for donations to help the town, if you can afford to give donate,some people can't afford to give and that's ok. They can't afford to let these CRACK HEADS GO while driving! Yes, we have SOME (not all)Officer's that do real bad things and it should be reported and I admire the people that do Speak Out!
Posted by: jenifer chafin on Jan 11, 2008 at 07:45 PM
I think Karen lahr is doing the right thing by sueing the mayor. How can he be a jugde and a jury at the same time. He seems like he has all the power in this city and he needs to decide if he wants to be a judge or a mayor. he cant have control over everything. if the mayor didnt like you, you would be hurting because you know you would be gulity even if you wasnt. email me back with any new news. karen, email me i would like to talk to you.
Posted by: csc on Jan 11, 2008 at 05:59 PM
Has anyone ever questioned the amount of tickets given in Hanging Rock, where does the money go to? If you notice sometimes, Hanging Rock police are not out all the time because their cars are broke down. Now as much money as they are receiving, its apparent that it does not go into cars, most are ex sheriffs cars or high mileage Highway patrol cars. Padding their pockets or the Lawrence county judges pockets? You decide....
Posted by: junior88fan on Jan 11, 2008 at 05:57 PM
I for one think Chris has done alot for the village since he's been mayor, and the majority of the citizen's feel the same way or he wouldn't have been re-elected by a landslide (chris 99--Opponent 34). Keep up the good work Chris. P.S. if you believe it is a speed trap then make sure you are not speeding when going through.
Posted by: n brown on Jan 11, 2008 at 05:49 PM
to the anon. that mentioned coal grove being a speed trap... i've lived here for 20 years, and i rarely see a coal grove cop pull a car over. besides, if you don't drive like a maniac, the cops won't bother you. end of story.
Posted by: Concerned on Jan 11, 2008 at 04:06 PM
Anonymous, that quite a statement, please call the Village of Hanging Rock and give a description of the cop that asked you "to pay cash on the spot".
Posted by: freddie on Jan 11, 2008 at 04:02 PM
heres the deal maybe its a speed trap maybe not karen lahr is not talking about that or debating that she says the mayor should not be judge and jury and she is right another thing i travel 52 everyday and haven't got a ticket lately BUT I KNOW THEY ARE THERE and trust me i see people pulled over all the time from huntington to portsmouth heres your warning WATCH YOUR SPEED!!!!!!!!
Posted by: citizen on Jan 11, 2008 at 03:59 PM
Sounds like a god complex by the people in charge.
Posted by: SABLE on Jan 11, 2008 at 03:28 PM
Just another example of corrupt actions in all of southern ohio good way to tell if it is really a speed trap check to see if it has been reported and recorded on your driving record most are not which if your really speeding is a good thing but if your not speeding have your cases moved to county court then press to see when or if the radar gun has been calibrated lately chances are it hasn't thats the way these courts work if you have a job you cant afford to miss work so you just pay the ticket and go on thats what their hoping for. Glad to see that more people are stsrting to stand up if we dont it wont be long before the gestapo will take over the same thing happens in Gallia Meigs Athens counties too.Heres a novel idea get a video camera and follow your local cop up the road tape his driving bet he will drift left of center,change lanes or turn without a signal get it on tape then report him may not do any good but i'll bet they leave you alone Society Against Bad Law Enforcement
Posted by: catmouse on Jan 11, 2008 at 02:44 PM
JUSTICE!!! " OH YOU MUST KNOW OF SOMEONE THAT WORLS FOR THE LAW INFORCEMENT . OR MAYBE A REALITIVE OR SOMETHING . OR YOU WOULDNT BE SO FAST TO SAY " DONT SPEED " YOU DONT HAVE TO BE DOING ANYTHING FOR THE COPS NOW DAYS TO PULL YOU OVER . THEY ARE MOST OF THE TIME LOOKING FOR A REASON TO DO SO . AND IF THEY CANT FIND ONE WELL THEY WILL MAKE UP ONE . HOW DO YOU THINK THE CITY AND SO ON GETS THE MONEY THEY NEED TO BUILD THESE NEW COURT HOUSES AND PLAY GROUNDS AND BUY THESE NEW POLICE CRUISERS??? THEY LOOK FOR A REASON TO GIVE YOU A SPEEDING TICKET . THEY NEED THE MONEY FROM THE FINES TO PAY OFF THEIR TOYS . " so heres my tip for you " keep a eye open around election time . see how many cops dose that then . but beaware their not the same once they get their vote.
Posted by: Gary on Jan 11, 2008 at 02:43 PM
I was pulled over for almost stopping this summer on a friday night and my wife was pulled over for swerving when a police car forced her to the side of the road. She was trying to get out of the squad cars way. He called it swerving. I had witnesses that I had stopped and the officer agreed that I had but that I "almost didn't " Stop. No tickets were written, and no probable cause were given except, "you almost didn't stop" This is obsurd. Thanks for helping bring this problem to light.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 11, 2008 at 02:40 PM
I am gld to hear something is finally being done about the cops on 52.I am 44 years old and i have never had a ticket. I do not speed , but I have been pulled over in Ohio several times for some really stupid stuff. One time I was told I was doing 56 in a 55 but my car was reading 54mph. Small things such as a diffeernt tire size can change the odometer. And we would have to have calibrated every week to make sure they were perfect.He did let me go but told me "when in "my" state you do 55 or under" but that is only one of the times I have been pulled over by the ohio cops. AND NO I AM NOT A SPEEDER, I DO THE SPEED LIMIT !!! They make up things to pull you over. I was also pullled over and accused of smelling like "cheap liquor" I was not drinking nor had I been. I fild a complaint on that officer and I won. All you can say is it is a bunch of dirty cops , maybe not all of them ,but for the most part they are.
Posted by: bill on Jan 11, 2008 at 02:40 PM
I agree with mike we ohio people are the worst drivers.....
Posted by: speedy on Jan 11, 2008 at 01:54 PM
Hasn't the Ohio Attn.Gen.ruled on this back in the early 90's that a town near Cleveland with a mile or so on the highway,could not do what these towns are doing?The woman at least has her right to get an answer.
Posted by: Mike on Jan 11, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Just about all of OH is a speed trap. Like all of 52. I guess they are trying to keep Ohio drivers from speeding because they sure are horrible drivers.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 11, 2008 at 12:38 PM
had one of their cops try to get me to pay cash on the spot
Posted by: Michelle on Jan 11, 2008 at 12:24 PM
To Aleta; If you have truly paid that much in speeding tickets then you are either an idiot for not learning to drive under 55 ( yes your little joke about Hanging Rock being 53- 53 is UNDER the speed limit and LEGAL), or maybe you are dyslexic and have your 65 mixed up with 55!
Posted by: Jimbo on Jan 11, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Here's the thing.... They "ARE NOT" the Highway Patrol, so why don't they spend more time in their Village "Protecting and Serving" their Community??? No, they want to be on 52 to pad their Pockets!!!! Same scenario for the OSP, why don't they stay on the Highways insted of the Streets of our Villages and/or Towns?!?!?!? These Mayors Courts are a joke!!! If you (Mayors) wanna be Judges then maybe you should choose the Field of the Judicial System!! OSP.. wanna be Village Cops??? Apply for that Job!!! C.G., S.P., Hang. Rock, Ches. and Proctorville Cops.... Wanna be a State Patrolman???? GO THROUGH THE ACADAMEY!!!!! Again, it's got to be the Badge!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 11, 2008 at 11:14 AM
for Justice. Here's a tip. Read the story. She wasn't speeding.
Posted by: Mike on Jan 11, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Ditto on the tip mentioned in another post -- DON'T SPEED and you won't get a ticket. Crybaby speeders. Just po'd they got caught. Also, don't drive POS cars and you won't get equipment violations either.
Posted by: kevin on Jan 11, 2008 at 10:45 AM
how can it be a speed trap if you see the cruiser setting in the open and also if you are speeding and breaking the law it does not matter where the officer is setting obey the law and you dont have to worry
Posted by: ken on Jan 11, 2008 at 10:37 AM
i received a ticket for 56mph in that dump it is a true speed trap does this town have a drug problem like the rest of the country if so try to get rid of the drugs and quit running a speed trap
Posted by: GEORGE on Jan 11, 2008 at 10:32 AM
I AM SO HAPPY I DONT LIVE IN HANGING ROCK. THE NAME SEEMS TO SUIT THE TOWN JUST RIGHT. I THINK I WILL STAY RIGHT HERE IN WEST VIRGINIA. I AM RETIRED.
Posted by: baker on Jan 11, 2008 at 10:26 AM
don't purchase anything from the red brick oven courtney johnson comments were uncalled for if she disagreed why didn't she dispute the fact she lives right up the road
Posted by: Marty on Jan 11, 2008 at 10:25 AM
I received a ticket of $65 from Coal Grove Police because my wheels hit the center line 1 time.A charge called "illegal lane usage" Went before the chief of police who was also judge.
Posted by: Scott on Jan 11, 2008 at 10:22 AM
I'll be following this story closely. Chesapeake, Ohio is the exact same way. They also have a speed trap trying to catch drivers as soon as the come across the bridge from WV, or as you are coming off 52 from South Point heading towards Huntington. I was pulled over by an officer last year for speeding. I had several cars passing me in the left hand lane yet I was the one that he said he had clocked for speeding. I told him that it had to be one of the cars that was passing me. Their court is also overseen by their mayor. You know there is no way you can win your case. These small towns obviously have trouble trying to meet their budgets so they basically try to steal from honest, hard working people.
Posted by: Driver on Jan 11, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Be very careful driving through the little town of Rich Creek VA too.
Posted by: JD on Jan 11, 2008 at 09:55 AM
I think that the cops are doing a great job. Not to long ago they came to rescue my 3 legged cat out of my tree
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 11, 2008 at 09:55 AM
I guess good ol Chris Davidson isn't going to get to act like Jesus anymore.
Posted by: Robert on Jan 11, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Ive been commuting daily through these towns for five years, I don't perceive these towns as running speed traps, never been pulled over. But I will say this, 70% of drivers travel 65 MPH. Keep up the good work Coal Grove and Hanging Rock you may be saving indocent lives from speeders.
Posted by: BOB on Jan 11, 2008 at 09:06 AM
I've seen it on 20/20 about Hanging Rock beinga Speed Trap years ago,but l travel to V.A. Hospital in Huntington,WVA a lot,and l have never been stopped for anything.l also drive 60 mile per hour. They usually allow 5 miles over.I've heard that the police get their wages from the tickets,but might be hearsay.Just watch your speed.
Posted by: james on Jan 11, 2008 at 09:03 AM
yeah well lets see just about all of ohio is filld with mayor's court's. lets not forgit proctervill where they will pull u over for having the wrong licensplate light.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 11, 2008 at 08:41 AM
this is very true been to hanging rock plenty of times and every time you will see plenty of cars pulled over it is nothing but a speed trap..
Posted by: JUSTICE on Jan 11, 2008 at 08:28 AM
HERE IS A TIP.... DONT SPEED
Posted by: anonymous on Jan 11, 2008 at 08:12 AM
someon should do a story about the Village of Coal Grove because it is the same story going on here also
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 11, 2008 at 08:02 AM
It's about time, these little towns like this have been running roughshod over citizens for years. Guess half of Lawrence county's municipalities will actually have to manage a budget if this goes through. Goodbye Barney...
Posted by: Jeffrey on Jan 11, 2008 at 08:01 AM
I travel US 52 through Hanging Rock at least five days per week during morning and evening rush hours and see no such "speed traps". Perhaps 1 in 5 of the law enforcement vehicles I see in the Hanging Rock area is the local PD. Any other time, its OSHP or OSHP-MCE patrolling the roads, not Hanging Rock. The bottom line is not to do something stupid either speed or wrecklessly and you will not be pulled over.
Posted by: Teresa on Jan 11, 2008 at 07:41 AM
Good for her!! I'm so tired of these small towns trumping up charges on people just so they can make more money. I betcha that mayor drives a fancy new vehicle that was purchased with the fruits of those trumped up charges.
Posted by: anonymous on Jan 11, 2008 at 07:18 AM
This is a speed trap and something needs to be done about it and have it looked into. Good job Mrs Lahr, I wish you lots of luck but you know how our court system is you have a tough battle
Posted by: aleta on Jan 11, 2008 at 07:04 AM
Thank You Hanging Rock,s Mayor has played God long enuogh . He has made traveling rt 52 a nightmare . Having family in columbus We have paid thousand,s in ticket,s And are afraid to go the speed limite in the area .We now joke that Hanging Rock is a 53mph zone
Posted by: Melissa on Jan 11, 2008 at 06:41 AM
There is a Speed Trap like the one in Hanging Rock Ohio, in Fort Gap, WVA
FIND A LOCAL BUSINESS