Ollie Coleman voiced his approval of the rally race scheduled for Feb. 27-28, 2009, to the county commission at their meeting held Dec. 8. He came with his wife Mary and said of the race, “We enjoy it; it’s nearby and we can’t afford the Indianapolis 500.”

He went on to say his grandson and great-grandsons (ages four and six) are planning to travel almost 150 miles to come watch the race. Another friend plans to drive about 400 miles to attend.

The “Rally in the 100 Acre Wood” uses about a mile and a half of road through the couple’s property between their home and their son’s residence. While the son was unable to attend the commission meeting because he was at work, he also supports having the race in Crawford County.

“I think it’s a good clean sport and it’s an experience. I feel like it’s beneficial to our part of the country,” Ollie told commissioners.

On Dec. 15, Sue and Ed Albee also told commissioners they are “very much supportive of (the race).” The Albees own property on Camel’s Hump Road, where a portion of the race will take place. Ed stated, “It’s been a very enjoyable event.”

Ed related how, last year, on the Friday of the race weekend, there was a car accident in front of their home. Although the wreck was not related to the race, a medical team working with the rally stopped to help the people and take care of traffic control until the highway patrol arrived.  The team was made up of EMTs from Minnesota.

In response to Commissioner John Hewkin’s question on the safety of spectator areas, the couple said they did not watch from designated locations, but from their own property or from Ollie’s with a large group. However, Ed said, “It is very much a controlled race—if something’s not right, they jump right on it.”

Ed added he’s been impressed with the way the group cleans up after themselves, removing the caution tape that closes the roads. He also said there is very little impact on the road conditions.

The Albees would like to see the commission do some promotion of the event, like Salem does. Ed stated, “We get people here from all over the country, and probably internationally.” He has plans, if the race is to take place, to try to get exposure in the St. Louis media for the event.

Sue also spoke about promoting Crawford County, especially with hotels. She said, “They take over Salem,” and talked about the banners and other things the city uses to endorse the event.

“They’re good people; they try to be safe,” said Sue. “We should do what we can to bring tourism here, especially in the winter.”

The couple reminded commissioners that ESPN was here to cover the event two years ago, and talked about the number of people at Country Mart and the city park last year, bringing revenue into the community.

Ed Worley, Presiding Commissioner, reiterated the legal concerns, stating, “We found out it could get us in big trouble.”

When Sue asked what the other counties involved do about legal issues, Hewkin said Dent County doesn’t do anything but warned that the Crawford Commission had “been advised by the county attorney on a problem with the speed limit.”  Worley added, “According to the prosecuting attorney, we can pass a resolution to allow it.”

The Albees recommended coordinating with other counties to present a united front on regulations, as well as contacting the race organizers to get their input on how to take care of these types of situations. The races take place all over the country, so they have experience in dealing with such concerns.

“We’re not against the race,” stated Hewkin of the county’s position. “ I’m very much for it. But if we had an outcry from the public, we’d have to take care of it.”

Reminder: The deadline to make comments to the commission regarding the race is Dec. 22. The Crawford County Commission meets Mondays starting at 8:30 a.m. in the courthouse.