It’s an annual tradition – the return of flashing yellow lights around town heralding the new school year. They also signal drivers to be aware children could be crossing the streets in those school zones. 

Following a test on Friday, the lighted school zone warning signals will be turned on for real on Monday as the Unified School District 428 schools start their 2019-2020 academic year. The test for Central Kansas Christian Academy and Holy Family School in Great Bend will be Monday and the lights will be in operation as those schools open Wednesday. 

“The lights are programmed right now to come on in the mornings,” said James Giles, Great Bend street superintendent. 

The flashing school zone times are:

• Washington Early Education Center  

7:30 a.m. – 8:05 a.m.

10:55 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

11:50 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.

3 p.m. –  3:30 p.m.

• Riley Elementary School

7 a.m. – 8:05 a.m.

3 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

• Rest of USD 428 district

7:30 a.m. – 8:05 a.m.

3 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

• Central Kansas Christian Academy

7:40 a.m. –  8:25 a.m.

3 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

• Holy Family School

7:30 a.m. – 8:05 a.m.

3 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

“We here at the Great Bend Police Department are preparing for another school year,” Police Chief David Bailey said. The yellow caution lights for school zones will be activated on Tuesday and the enforcement of these caution school zone lights will begin the morning hours of Wednesday, the first day of school. 

“The 20 mile per hour speed limit will be enforced whenever the caution lights are flashing,” Bailey said. He also reminded motorists that there are some school zones in Great Bend that are only marked by signs and there are no caution lights in the areas. 

“These school zone areas will also be strictly enforced,” he said. “A traffic infraction committed in a school zone area is double the fine.”

Bailey asks that drivers slow down in the school zone areas and watch for students or pedestrians crossing intersections while on their way to and from a school.