It’s not necessarily the end of the road for the hundreds of signs that dot Allen County roadways.
In a nod toward ingenuity — plus savings — Allen County commissioners Tuesday gave their OK to county employees to find a way to refurbish the fading signs, whose lifespans are five to six years.
The project might open the way for a cottage industry, Commissioner Dick Works said, if the county could refurbish signs for other counties and municipalities as well.
Federal regulations require that all county signs meet reflectivity standards by 2019.
New signs cost an average of $25. Bill King, director of Public Works, figures his crews could reface the signs for half that much. Outsourcing that talent could make the bottom line even rosier.
COMMISSIONERS voted unanimously to renew The Iola Register as the county’s official newspaper, which means it will continue to carry all legal publications.
Cliff Ralstin, Humboldt Union editor and publisher, asked two weeks ago to be considered. Susan Lynn, Register editor and publisher, told commissioners Tuesday the Register had wide circulation and saturation in Allen and adjoining counties, with 3,500 papers six days a week compared to the Union’s 1,000 once-a-week circulation. She also noted the Register’s rates for legal publications and advertisements were comparable to the Union’s.
“We can’t deny the difference in size,” said Commissioner Gary McIntosh in making the motion in favor of the Register.
Debbie Bearden was given a thumbs up for use of the southwest courthouse lawn for Iola’s Farmers Market this year.
Bearden said the market again would be on Thursday evenings, starting April 14 and running to Oct. 13 from 5:30 to 7 o’clock. People selling from vehicles will be restricted to Washington Avenue, which will be blocked from Madison to West streets, while those offering produce and other things from tables or booths may set up on the lawn.
“We’ll keep cars off the grass,” Bearden said.
The event will be sponsored by Thrive Allen County and the Allen County Farm Bureau.
THE THIRD annual inservice day for county employees will be Feb. 21, Presidents Day.
Courthouse offices will be closed for the holiday and all employees will be involved in the event in the Recreation Community Building in Riverside Park.
Breakfast and a health fair provided by Allen County Hospital will occupy the first hour and a half. The remainder of the day will be sessions having to do with topics that affect county employees and their jobs. Jeff Kluever, county historical society director, will have a program in the afternoon, following a catered lunch.
