Crossing guard critical (2/16/05)

GENEVA — A local man was in critical condition this morning at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne after he was struck by a car on U.S. 27 in Geneva while working as a crossing guard Tuesday.

Kenneth B. Willitts Jr., 69, was working as a crossing guard at South Adams Middle School at 2:50 p.m. Tuesday at the intersection of U.S. 27 and Butcher Street in Geneva. According to information from Geneva town marshal Rob Johnson, Willitts stepped into the southbound lane of U.S. 27 to allow several buses to leave the school. He was struck by a southbound car driven by Ruth H. Miller, 85, Geneva.

Johnson added that a bus driver and the driver of another vehicle stopped on U.S. 27 witnessed the accident.

Willitts, a Geneva utility employee, was transported by Adams Emergency Medical Service to Adams Memorial Hospital in Decatur before being transported to Parkview Hospital for head injuries.

“Kenny has been a town employee since 1998. He is a part-time employee and works harder than anyone I have known. He is an exemplary employee,” Geneva clerk treasurer Doug Milligan said this morning. “Our thoughts and prayers are certainly with Kenny at this time for a complete recovery.”

Willitts lives in Geneva with his wife Shirley.

Geneva police were still investigating the accident this morning, and charges against Miller may be pending, Johnson said. They were assisted by Indiana State Police.

South Adams Middle School principal Scott Litwiller and South Adams Schools superintendent Connie Bailey were not available for comment this morning.[[In-content Ad]]