Small Town Tries To Cope With Major Traffic

"For the millions of gamblers motoring toward Vegas on Interstate 15, this tiny town dotted by billboards and gas stations hardly registers.

But for residents in the desert hamlet of 4,200, plunked midway between Los Angeles and Nevada, the conga line of Sin City revelers makes even the simple task of driving to the grocery store a major headache.

'It's been this way forever,' said Geoff Berner, 57, who has lived in Yermo for nearly a quarter-century. 'As a local, you just accept that it is what it is and either plan the extra time or don't go out at all.'

Because Yermo is devoid of major supermarkets, department stores and hospitals, residents must drive to Barstow or Victorville for major necessities."