By Hannah Heishman
“The curve at Edward Jones” hasn’t changed in generations, with the exception of structures built between the former Methodist Manse and a building that’s been a small store under different names.
So why, apparently all of a sudden, has that slight curve become the site of so many vehicle accidents, so far only ever single vehicles?
When Yvonne Williams owned the manse and built her Edward Jones office, she placed a sign on the grass in front.
When the sign was destroyed repeatedly by people who missed the turn, she added a stone foundation. That seemed to resolve the issue.
Last May on graduation night, an 18-year-old Moorefield man celebrated his high school graduation with alcohol, missed the turn, damaged the house, and completely destroyed the electrical pole in front of it.
In late November, another driver missed the turn and struck the old brick home, causing more extensive damage. That driver was also charged with Driving Under the Influence.
The brick home has been on and off the market for a while. It’s unlikely being struck twice in six months will make it easier to sell.
Moorefield police records indicate four reported accidents in the past three years, including the two 2025 incidents.
The speed limit hasn’t changed. The curve itself hasn’t changed. So what’s the problem?
This was the primary discussion at the Moorefield Town Council meeting on Dec. 2, which was also attended by two assistant leaders and four Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 60.
Council members discussed the curve as part of a larger discussion that included updates on Maple Avenue — 15 mph signs are up, and feedback from the public has been positive — and a traffic survey performed at the intersection between U.S. 220 and Harness Road, near Walmart.
The State determined that speeds are marked appropriately at that intersection, which is another site for frequent vehicle accidents.
Because the Town does not control U.S. 220, the Town cannot, for example, unilaterally place a stoplight at the intersection.
Public Works Director Lucas Gagnon said discussions with the State are ongoing.
Gagnon also updated the Council on the new tennis courts at the Town Park.
“We’re past the point of where we needed to be, to play tennis this spring,” Gagnon said. Paving is complete, and the fence will be up.
“We were fortunate to get the paving done when we did,” he added, noting recent weather was too cold for paving.
The Moorefield Police Department had 169 calls for service in November. They made one felony arrest; 13 misdemeanor arrests; they wrote 37 traffic citations and 48 traffic warnings.
A new officer was sworn in Nov. 3. Jordan Lawrence said, “I’m very excited, and optimistic about future career here.”
In mid-November, the department returned to complete coverage, 24/7.
Officer Tyler Robinette, who briefed the report, told the Council Chief Stephen Riggleman was setting up the new laptops for the department, and planned to issue them Dec. 8.
The Council’s next two meetings are Dec. 16, 2025 and Jan. 6, 2026. The meetings are scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Town Hall. Meetings are also streamed live and available to watch later on the Town of Moorefield Facebook page. The public is also encouraged to attend.
