Leaning utility pole forces alternate pick-up plan at GHS

All other motorists urged to avoid East Washington Street around high school

A utility pole, weakened by the high winds Tuesday morning, looms precariously over East Washington Street right at the main entrance to Greencastle High School just after noon today.

With crews from Duke Energy and Greencastle Police Department all on the scene, motorists are urged to avoid Washington Street between Stadium Drive and Percy Julian Drive.

Replacement of the pole is expected to take several hours.

In the meantime, the high school will abide by its normal release schedule, with school letting out at 3:15 p.m. The work being performed right at Washington and Tiger Cub Trail (GHS main entrance) will cause a disruption to the normal flow of traffic.

Superintendent Jeff Hubble informed the Banner Graphic that student drivers have been alerted that they will only be allowed to exit onto Percy Julian Drive.

Students who are being picked up by parents are being text messaged by their children for pick up in the tennis court lot, which will remain open west of the trouble spot.

Vehicles exiting the tennis court lot will then be sent back west on Washington Street.

Principal Russ Hesler urged parent and student drivers to exercise patience during the release process.

“It’s gonna be hairy,” Hesler said. “Use patience, use patience, use patience.”

All Greencastle buses will be rerouted to the transfer lot at McAnally Center. Buses will not use Washington Street at all.

Hesler also emphasizd that no students, regardless of how they get home, will be exiting through the main doors at the northeast of the school. All will be released either through the tennis court doors at the northwest corrner of the school or next to the multi-purpose room at the southeast.