Nixa teen injured by truck

A Nixa High School student was hit by a car around 7 a.m. today on Nicholas Road near Verna Lane in Nixa, school officials report.

The student was walking southbound on the edge of the roadway when a truck also traveling southbound hit the student. There are no sidewalks on this portion of Nicholas Road.

The student was taken to a local hospital with non life-threatening injuries. School officials didn’t identify the student.

“Everyone at the City is saddened by this accident,” said Nixa Mayor Sam Clifton. “We want to do what we can to prevent this from happening to someone else.”

Earlier this year City Council voted against using a grant to complete a series of pedestrian pathways that included Nicholas Road and Verna Lane after residents of Verna Lane spoke out against a bike path on their street.

On July 18, Council voted for staff to move forward with the design of a sidewalk on Nicholas Road without the grant money. Council will vote next month to approve construction in 2012.

“The City recognizes the need for a sidewalk on Nicholas Road to keep our kids safe, and we are working to get this done,” Clifton said.

The Springfield News-Leader

www.news-leader.com

Tuesday, October 18, 2011 10:14 a.m.