Regan Huston

Unprotected railroad crossings in Missouri are a problem. For this story, I was in charge of writing and producing the main audio piece. I also helped with the editing of the social media video and photo gallery, as well as fact-checked for the infographic pamphlet.

Marshall is a small city in the northwest area of the state. Being a large farming and industrial community means frequent train traffic. Following two accidents in the last five years, the city would like to see upcoming plans for gate construction. City officials are working to improve safety measures along with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), while also considering the ideas of the 12,897 Marshall citizens. Marshall councilmen are trying to balance the conflicting viewpoints. MoDOT hopes to improve the tracks to make a safer place for drivers, but pushback from local businesses could mean halting this project indefinitely.

Adam Hammer’s grave sits in a peaceful area with new orange flowers to welcome the fall season. While business owners of Marshall are concerned about what railroad crossing closings will mean for importing and exporting their goods from town, a local family is worried about more people losing loved ones. Hammer, 20, of Marshall was killed in a car-train collision on the afternoon of July 21, 2017. On Sept. 8, 2018, Hammer’s family remembers his memory pending his fast approaching birthday.  “I want this to be taken care of, that is my goal,” Rosie Hammer, Adam’s mother, said .