I remember when they first put in the roundabout on 23rd and Severance here in Hutchinson. The only change to the road structure to cause even close to the amount of chaos and confusion to local motorists in my lifetime has been the dual left turning lanes onto 17th from the mall parking lot. 

"It's so European," one of my friends said in an effort to assuage my negative comments about the roundabout. "It's so unnecessary," I retorted. In my defense, I was in high school still, so I was negative about everything.

Well, we've had the roundabout for several years now, and everyone's gotten used to it. I did some research into it, trying to find the benefits the roundabout may have provided since it was put into place. I found this interesting document on the K State web site. Before the roundabout, traffic from the Kansas State Fair caused massive amounts of congestions (which I remember). The document also goes on to mention "… 19 right angle crashes in a period from February 21, 1996 to November 28, 1997." I can see how it has done some good.

One question, though: what the heck is that on top of it? I know someone made it, and all, but what is it? I've discussed with it a few people, and they're not sure, either. Whatever it is looks kinda cool, but I think it might be time for a change. The current thing on top has run its course, and I believe we can use the roundabout more to our advantage. With minimal brainstorming and my none-too-prodigious Photoshop skills, I've come up with a couple of ideas:

Let's show that our town is progressive by approaching the number one internet company about advertising on the roundabout. It's not like they don't have the money.

Hungry?

Ok, I exaggerate. There aren't 15 locations. You get the idea of this one, though.

Put it to work

Let's turn it into a convenient stop for anyone interested in a payday advance loan. Those things are already spreading like a bad rash.

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